U.S. beef exports saw a modest increase in March 2025, signaling strong international demand despite market challenges, especially with China. According to USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), beef exports totaled 109,330 metric tons (mt) for the month, up 1% year-over-year. Export value reached $922 million—4% higher than last March and the highest since June 2024.
Strong Markets and Regional Trends
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Taiwan: March exports to Taiwan jumped 34% in volume to 5,086 mt and 33% in value to $60.5 million. This brought first-quarter exports slightly above 2024 levels, with Taiwan maintaining a strong preference for high-quality chilled U.S. beef.
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Mexico: Exports increased 6% in March to 17,592 mt, valued at $110.9 million. Though first-quarter volumes were down 3% year-over-year, value held steady at $332.7 million. Mexico remained a top market for beef variety meats like tripe and hearts.
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Central America: Shipments rose 23% to 2,158 mt in March, valued at $19.8 million—a 29% jump. Quarterly growth was strongest in Guatemala and Panama, with Costa Rica also on pace for record imports.
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Japan: Beef exports held steady in March at 21,683 mt worth $168.5 million. However, year-to-date exports were down 5% in volume and 4% in value due to a dip in variety meat shipments.
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South Korea: March exports declined 6% in volume and 2% in value to 20,838 mt and $206.2 million, respectively. Still, quarterly export value rose 3% to $568.4 million, with Korea maintaining its position as the top value market for U.S. beef.
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China and Hong Kong: Exports rose 4% to 53,039 mt in the first quarter, valued at $468.7 million. March shipments edged slightly higher than 2024, but ongoing tariff issues are expected to hit future sales hard. As of April, U.S. beef faces a total effective duty rate of 147%.
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Africa: Demand surged in markets like Morocco, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire. March shipments to Africa increased 73% in volume and more than doubled in value. Quarterly exports climbed 15% to 3,658 mt and 34% in value to $5.8 million.
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South America: Though overall exports declined, Chile bucked the trend. March exports jumped 161% to 810 mt, valued at $5.6 million. First-quarter shipments rose 41% in volume and 77% in value, driven largely by demand for variety meats.
Export Value Per Head and Production Share
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March beef exports averaged $466.77 per head of fed slaughter, up 3% from the previous year and the seventh-highest on record.
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Exports represented 14.8% of total beef production and 12.5% for muscle cuts in March. These ratios were slightly down from last year.
While overall first-quarter export volumes were slightly below 2024 levels at 310,368 mt, the total value rose 2% to $2.53 billion, demonstrating solid pricing and strong international demand. The U.S. beef industry’s focus on expanding into diverse global markets continues to support export performance—even in the face of tariffs and regulatory challenges.
