Amid ongoing market volatility and global trade adjustments, U.S. meat exports have remained resilient in 2025, thanks to continued demand in key international markets. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, consumers in countries across Latin America, Asia and North America continue to choose American beef, pork, and lamb for one primary reason: quality.

"Demand continues to be record-breaking in some markets," said Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the federation. "Even with tight domestic supply and record prices earlier this year, buyers abroad are still choosing U.S. beef for its unmatched quality."

Official USDA data from August confirms that beef exports totaled 83,388 metric tons, down 19% from a year ago. The export value fell to $695.5 million, the lowest since early 2021. Much of that decline stems from China's failure to renew plant and storage facility registrations, which slashed U.S. beef shipments to just 56,494 metric tons, less than half of 2024's volume.

Still, other regions are picking up the slack. South Korea increased beef imports to 162,907 metric tons through August, up from 151,065 the previous year. In Latin America, nations like Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador are now importing higher-grade U.S. beef, where previously they purchased only lower grades. The result: export value is rising faster than volume in several of these emerging markets.

Driving this shift is the growing global middle class, which now demands not just protein, but quality, consistency and flavor. Halstrom noted that 86% of U.S. cattle are graded choice or higher, reinforcing the industry's shift away from bulk commodity markets toward value-based marketing.

"Today we're getting over $400 per head in export value, thanks to maximizing the carcass, including variety meats that don't have a home in the U.S.," said Halstrom.

The pork market is also seeing strong export trends despite a slow start to the year. Through August, pork exports were down just 3% from 2024, with Latin America-especially Mexico and Colombia-driving demand. Halstrom expects the pork market to match or exceed 2024 levels by year's end, as Asian demand rebounds in the second half.

Meanwhile, U.S. lamb exports, though smaller in volume, are surging in growth. Exports to Mexico rose 47%, and Canada imports skyrocketed by 390% through August. While overall lamb exports rose 13%, muscle cut shipments jumped 58%, with a 59% increase in value compared to the previous year.

Looking ahead, Halstrom emphasized the need for cyclical rebuilding in beef supplies and continued heifer retention to support sustained export volumes. But even in a tightening supply environment, the U.S. meat industry remains focused on one goal: delivering quality that global consumers trust.