Solid demand for US beef in Western Hemisphere – USMEF

US beef exports to Mexico posted another impressive performance in November, increasing 3% from a year ago to 17,843 mt and climbing 14% in value to $103.6 million, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Through the first 11 months of 2023, exports to Mexico rebounded 14% in volume to 189,242 mt and an impressive 24% in value to $1.08 billion – already surpassing the full-year totals from 2022. This included a 16% increase in beef variety meat exports, to 98,330 mt, with value up 20% to $286.5 million. 

November beef exports to Central America were steady with a year ago at 1,940 mt, while value increased 20% to $15.1 million, the highest in two years. For January through November, exports to the region edged 1% higher than a year ago to 19,027 mt, while value increased 5% to $135.4 million. Exports to leading market Guatemala were up 5% to 8,471 mt, while value increased 14% to $66.8 million. 

In Honduras, shipments increased 10% to 2,294 mt and soared 33% higher in value to just under $13 million. Both of these markets have already set annual value records and are on a record volume pace. Export volume to El Salvador is also on a record pace. 

Despite lower shipments to leading market South Africa, November beef exports to Africa nearly doubled from a year ago to 1,221 mt (up 97%), while value was 33% higher at $1.5 million. Growth was led by Angola, Cote D’Ivoire and Gabon. January-November shipments to Africa increased 60% to 19,364 mt, valued at $24 million (up 28%). About 98% of these shipments are beef variety meat, mainly livers and kidneys.