YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

U.S. beef exports top record $1 billion in August

By Gary Joiner
Publisher

U.S. beef exports soared to another new value record in August.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation says the monthly value topped $1 billion for the first time.

Texas cattle producers are encouraged by the strong sales.

August beef exports were up 21% from a year ago and the second largest volume this year. Export value was up 55%.

A surge in demand from China helped fuel the August sales.

Through August, exports to China increased more than 800% from a year ago in both volume and value. U.S. beef accounts for 5.6% of China’s imports. That’s up from less than 1% last year.

Japan is also a big buyer. August beef exports to Japan were the largest of the year. Volume was up 21% from a year ago, and value increased 79%.

Japan is now this year’s largest value destination for U.S. beef. Japan has been importing more chilled U.S. beef to help meet strong retail demand and to minimize shipping delays.

There are many transportation and labor challenges right now to move product abroad, but the U.S. beef industry is working hard to keep shipments moving.

Lone Star State ranchers are thankful the effort is paying off.

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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