Beef Exports Hit Lowest Level Since 2020
U.S. beef exports fell sharply in July, marking the weakest month in five years. USDA and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) reported shipments at 89,579 metric tons (mt), down 19% from last year. Export value slid 17% to $752.5 million, the lowest since January 2023.
From January through July, beef exports totaled 691,800 mt, down 8% year-over-year. Export value dropped 7.5% to $5.67 billion.
China Market Access Remains the Main Obstacle
The downturn stems from limited access to China. In March, registrations expired for most U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities. Since June, China has also suspended 11 additional plants.
As a result, July exports to China collapsed 92% to just 1,110 mt. Value fell even further, dropping 94% to under $8 million. For the first seven months of 2025, shipments to China slid 46% in volume and 47% in value.
“China’s failure to renew registrations has left U.S. beef essentially shut out,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Restoring access remains an urgent priority.”
Other Markets Provide Support
While China weighed heavily, several markets delivered positive results.
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South Korea grew July shipments 13% to 19,907 mt. Value rose 10% to $186.4 million. Year-to-date, Korea remains 9% ahead in both volume and value.
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Caribbean demand strengthened. Exports rose 7% to 2,458 mt, while value increased 20% to $24.3 million.
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Central America held steady. Although July volume slipped, value still surged 36% to $14 million. Exports to Guatemala gained 9%.
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South America also gained ground. July shipments jumped 24% to 1,756 mt, while value soared 57% to $13 million, led by Chile.
Mixed Performance in Key Markets
Elsewhere, results were uneven.
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Japan softened, with July exports down 4% to 21,048 mt. Value declined 10% to $156.7 million.
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Mexico dropped sharply. Shipments fell 24% to 15,973 mt, while value decreased 10% to $110.8 million. Brazil has overtaken the U.S. as Mexico’s top supplier of beef muscle cuts.
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Taiwan also trended lower. Exports sank 24% to 4,655 mt, with value down 26% to $51.2 million.
Beef’s Share of Production Declines
The loss of Chinese demand also reduced beef’s export share. In July, exports accounted for 11.9% of total productionand 10% of muscle cuts. Last year those figures stood at 14% and 11.6%.
Per-head export value averaged $368.09 in July, down 12% year-over-year.
