U.S. red meat exports began 2026 with mixed results, highlighted by record-setting beef variety meat value and strong demand in several global markets, according to new trade data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Beef and Variety Meats Show Strong Value
January U.S. beef exports totaled 92,558 metric tons, down 10% from a year earlier, largely due to the ongoing absence of the Chinese market. However, export value declined only 3% to $780.1 million, reflecting higher prices in other destinations.
Even with the lower volume, export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $415.15 in January—up 12% year over year and the highest level since March 2025. When excluding exports to China, U.S. beef exports actually increased 5% in volume and jumped 16% in value compared to last year.
Beef shipments grew year-over-year to several key markets, including South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, along with gains in the Caribbean, the ASEAN region and South America. Export value also increased to Mexico, Canada and Central America.
Beef variety meats were a major highlight. January exports reached 27,511 metric tons, up 6% from a year ago and the largest total since September 2021. Export value surged 46% to a record $126 million, surpassing the previous monthly high set in December.
According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom, maximizing carcass value is especially important given tight cattle supplies. Much of the increase was driven by strong demand in Japan, where variety meat exports soared 88% to more than 6,100 metric tons. Shipments also increased to Korea, Taiwan, Peru, Chile and South Africa. Total beef and beef variety meat exports to Japan reached nearly 20,000 metric tons in January, up 5% from a year ago. Exports to South Korea—America’s leading value market—also improved. January shipments totaled 19,482 metric tons, up 4% from last year, while export value increased 6% to $192.6 million. Notably, January marked the first month U.S. beef entered Korea duty-free after tariffs phased out under the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.
Meanwhile, U.S. beef remains effectively locked out of China. Exports to the market were down 94% in volume from last year, with only small amounts of previously eligible product still moving through supply chains.
Lamb Exports Slip Slightly
U.S. lamb exports started the year slightly lower after a strong 2025 performance.
January exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 238 metric tons, down 7% year over year. Export value slipped just 1% to $1.44 million. Despite the overall decline, shipments increased to several markets, including the Bahamas, Japan, Taiwan, Costa Rica and Panama. However, exports to Mexico declined and no lamb shipments were reported to Canada during the month.
Pork Exports Off to a Solid Start
U.S. pork exports opened the year on a positive note, with January shipments totaling 250,861 metric tons—up 3% from a year ago. Export value climbed 4% to $692.1 million.
Mexico remained the dominant destination for U.S. pork, with exports increasing 3% to nearly 108,000 metric tons. Export value to Mexico rose 8% to $238.7 million. Shipments also grew to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Taiwan. Japan was among the strongest performers, with exports rising 22% year over year to nearly 28,000 metric tons. Colombia also posted strong growth, with shipments increasing 16% compared to last year.
Pork variety meat exports were led by continued demand from China, which remains the largest destination for those products despite ongoing trade challenges. Global pork variety meat exports increased 6% in volume, though overall value dipped slightly due to lower prices in the Chinese market.
Exports accounted for 28.5% of total U.S. pork production in January and nearly 25% of muscle cut production, highlighting the continued importance of international markets to the U.S. pork industry.
Read the full report here.
###
USMEF – 2026
