Beef Variety Meats Helping Export Markets to a Strong Start in 2026
According to USDA data compiled by the US Meat Export Federation, exports of beef variety meats hit a record value in January of $126 million. According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom, “Beef variety meat value reaching new heights for the second consecutive month is great news for cattle producers and for the entire supply chain.” He added, “With cattle numbers being tight, it is more critical than ever to maximize the value of every animal. And while much of this export growth was driven by tongues and skirts going to Japan, demand was strong in a wide range of markets.”

Lamb exports values on the other hand were down slightly at $1.44 million as exports increased year-over-year to the Bahamas, Japan, Taiwan, Costa Rica and Panama, but shipments to Mexico trended lower and no exports were reported to Canada.