U.S. beef exports declined in April 2025, as the industry felt the continued effects of deteriorating trade relations with China. Data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) show a 10% year-over-year drop in beef export volume, totaling 100,659 metric tons (mt), while the export value slipped 8% to $824.5 million.
Shipments to China—a major market for U.S. beef—plummeted nearly 70%, weighed down by retaliatory tariffs that peaked at 147% and by the expiration of export facility registrations that were not renewed by Chinese authorities. Most U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities lost their eligibility to export to China in mid-March. While duties were later reduced to 32% on May 14 under a temporary easing of trade tensions, the damage had already been done to April’s export numbers.
Through the first four months of the year, total U.S. beef exports reached 411,027 mt, down 3% from the same period in 2024. Export value was more stable, down just 1% at $3.35 billion.
Growth in Korea and Latin America Helps Offset Losses
Despite losses in China, several markets showed strong performance. South Korea, the top value destination for U.S. beef, imported 23,460 mt in April—an 18% increase over the previous year. Export value rose 16% to $216.4 million, the highest monthly total since 2023. Year-to-date, exports to Korea were up 3% in volume and 6% in value.
Latin America also provided some relief for exporters. Central America saw beef shipments rise 18% to 2,113 mt, valued at $18.2 million—a 53% jump over April 2024. Guatemala was the region’s top buyer, recording its second-largest import volume on record.
Colombia’s market recovery continued in April, following the resolution of earlier trade restrictions tied to dairy cattle health issues. Exports to Colombia rose 128% to 447 mt, valued at $4.6 million—up 149% year-over-year. Total shipments to South America climbed 41% to 1,864 mt, with value soaring 88% to $15.2 million.
Africa also registered growth, driven by strong demand from Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, and Gabon. Exports to the continent rose 18% in April to 1,107 mt, valued at $1.6 million. Cumulative exports through April were up 16% in volume and 30% in value.
Mixed Results Across Other Markets
Japan held steady as the largest volume destination for U.S. beef. April exports rose 6% to 22,375 mt, though year-to-date totals remain 2% lower than 2024. In Mexico, April exports slipped 16% year-over-year to 17,676 mt, valued at $107.3 million. The decline is attributed in part to increased domestic slaughter and reduced feeder cattle exports caused by a screwworm outbreak.
Taiwan posted a 17% drop in April beef volume, though export value declined by just 8% to $54 million. Year-to-date, Taiwan’s imports are up 5% in value despite lower volume.
The Caribbean region saw value gains despite a small dip in volume. April exports were down 3% year-over-year to 2,801 mt, but value rose 25% to $28.6 million. Growth was fueled by high-value shipments to the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
Exports to the ASEAN region dropped sharply, down 38% in April. Limited access in Indonesia was a key factor. Through April, exports to the region were down 19% in both volume and value.
Export Impact on U.S. Production
April beef exports accounted for 13.1% of total U.S. beef production and 11.1% for muscle cuts, both down from the same month last year. The January–April averages were slightly stronger at 13.6% and 11.4%, respectively. Export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $396.71 in April, down 5%, while the four-month average stood at $415.16—up 1% from a year ago.
Looking Ahead
While China’s continued use of trade barriers has disrupted one of the U.S. beef industry’s key export channels, gains in South Korea, Latin America, and Africa suggest a pivot toward broader market diversification is underway. Whether those markets can fully compensate for the loss of Chinese demand remains to be seen, but current trends suggest exporters are finding new paths forward.
