Several factors influencing meat exports

by | Sep 24, 2019 | 5 Ag Stories, News

Ken Root earlier reported on the strength within the U.S. beef and pork markets.

An economist now speaks to factors impacting both export markets.

U.S. Meat Export Federation economist Erin Borrer plans to attend the Urner Barry Global Protein Summit next month in Chicago. Borrer will speak to export markets at breakout sessions for both pork and beef.

?I?ll review the main pork export market and talk about the biggest potential for growth. And of course, address some of the major wildcards, or factors which may change our outlook,? Borrer said. ?No doubt, the biggest right now is African Swine Fever.?

U.S. Meat Export Federation staff continues to keep a close watch on the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, which has crossed into southeast Asia, as well as South Korea. However, Borrer notes, ?African Swine Fever is not the only story in town.?

?We?ll spend time on retaliatory tariffs and talk about the rebound in Mexico specifically. We can talk a bit about Japan and the opportunities we see in that market as well,? Borrer said.

A couple of those markets also play an important role in the U.S. beef sector.

?We?ll be talking about what things could look like, if the U.S. reaches an agreement with China. Our access to that market is incredibly limited, and China has surged into the top importer of beef,? Borrer said. ?Again, we?ll talk (about) Japan. Right now, U.S. beef into Japan pays the highest tariff of any in our import market, so it?s exciting to think about how the Japanese market can further grow.”

Borrer will also touch on the Australian beef market, which faces tight supplies due to drought.

?When I look around the world, I see a tight supply of beef. That should mean further demand for U.S. beef,” Borrer said.