Mexican Cattle Imports to U.S. Suspended Following New World Screwworm Detection 

On November 22, 2024, Mexico's Chief Veterinary Officer notified the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of a confirmed case of New World screwworm (NWS) in a cow in Chiapas, located near the Guatemalan border.

NWS, the larvae of a fly species, infest and feed on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals, posing a significant threat to livestock and other animals.

"With the northward spread of NWS, APHIS has ramped up its collaboration with Central American countries to combat this pest in affected regions," said Dr. Rosemary Sifford, Chief Veterinary Officer of the United States. "This recent detection in Mexico underscores the need to intensify these efforts to protect U.S. agriculture and restore the Central American barrier."...

ANALYSIS: China’s Oct 2024 Beef Imports Rebound to 7-Month High at 237,264 mt

China's October 2024 beef imports rose to a 7-month high to 237,264 metric tonnes (mt), according to the latest data from the General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China.

Increasing by 8.7% month-on-month (m-o-m), October 2024’s imports rose by 19,066 mt from September 2024’s 5-month low. This rebound was primarily fuelled by stronger shipments from Brazil, its largest supplier, along with notable contributions from Uruguay and New Zealand.

Year-on-year (y-o-y), imports...

Philippines Surpasses China in Brazilian Pork Imports as Sector Hits Record Shipment Revenues

The Philippines has emerged as Brazil's largest export market for pork in 2024 with 206,000 tonnes shipped between January and October, a 103% year-on-year increase, displacing China as the top importer who, during the same period purchased 199,900 tonnes, down 41% according to The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).

In October 2024, Brazil's pork exports, including fresh and processed products, reached 130,900 tonnes, representing the second-highest monthly total in the industry’s history and a 41% increase from the 93,000 tonnes...

ANALYSIS: Uruguay’s Beef Exports See 11.3% Monthly Rise in October, Yet Decline 11.9% Y-o-Y

In October 2024, Uruguay’s fresh beef exports reached 28,512 MT, based on the latest data from the Uruguayan National Customs Directorate. This is 11.3% higher than the previous month and marks a 11.9% drop Y-o-Y. On a YTD basis, cumulative exports now stand at 292,422 MT, up by 2.2% compared to the same period last year. Uruguay’s annual performance indicates resilience in export volumes, with exporters adjusting destination strategies in response to fluctuating demand and price conditions...

Trump's Return Could Spark Major Shifts in Agri-Food Trade

Donald Trump secured a victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election on November 5, marking a return to leadership that could bring sweeping changes to the agricultural commodities markets.

With a second term, Trump’s decisions could pave the way for notable shifts within trade policy, foreign relations and regulatory approaches.

At Expana’s Agri-Food Americas conference in Chicago last month, Alex Kazan, Partner and Geopolitical Co-Lead, Brunswick Group explained the massive impact the 2024 election would have on agricultural markets...

2024 Presidential Election Poised to Reshape U.S. Commodity Markets

As the 2024 Presidential Election quickly approaches, industry stakeholders are closely watching how the outcome could impact commodity markets, which are sensitive to shifts in policy and federal regulations.

When the new president takes office, businesses and consumers may see changes to key issues like trade and foreign policy. Stay tuned to Expana for continuous updates on how the election may affect agricultural and industrial markets.

Presidential Impact on International Trade

Changes in U.S. trade relations could either strengthen or disrupt markets for agricultural exports...

Two Australian Beef Plants Anticipated to Resume Exports to China by Year’s End

On November 3, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell met with China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where Wang assured Farrell that China would lift its remaining trade restrictions on Australian exports. 

Farrell noted that since last year’s expo, China has lifted tariffs on Australian wine and resumed exports from eight red meat facilities. China also plans to fully reopen its market to Australian rock lobsters by the end of this year.  

Despite the progress, two Australian beef plants (Plant 1620...

Understanding the Global Cattle Cycle's Role in Shifting Beef Trade and Prices

The Global beef cattle market is characterized by an interplay of cyclical trends, external pressures, and strategic management decisions across key regions. This whitepaper outlines the current state of the cattle industry in six major areas- the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico- highlighting key findings related to production, market pressures, and the potential outlook. As forces like weather, the economy, and trade dynamics shape the global beef landscape, industry stakeholders can stay ahead of the... 

ANALYSIS: US Boneless Beef Imports from Australia Soar, Domestic and Import 90s Gap Grows

The week of October 7th experienced 6,045 MT of boneless beef that cleared for entry into the United States, marking a significant 52-week high. This represents an impressive year-over-year increase of 53.5%. Australia plays a key role in the boneless beef market, exporting lean boneless beef to various countries, with the U.S. accounting for 32.6% of their exports, equating to 37,218 MT in September alone.

Even with more meat available on the market, the price of Aus/NZ...

Check Out The Super-EST Market In Town: Lidl Relaunches Brand In The US

Grocery shopping... as just another errand? Couldn't be us!

Buckle up, because Lidl US is here to take your tastebuds on a joyride through the aisles, offering the highest quality products at the lowest prices.

Introducing The Super-EST Market

We're putting the "super" in supermarket (make that The Super-EST Market) by delivering a curated collection of private label picks, global imports, and everyday name brands. With 170+ stores woven through neighborhoods across nine East Coast states and Washington, D.C...

ANALYSIS: China’s Sept 2024 Meat Imports Slump 4.3% M-o-M; Ends Two-Month Growth Streak

China’s total meat imports, including variety meats fell in September 2024, amounting to 540,543 metric tonnes (mt), according to the latest preliminary figures from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China. 

On a monthly basis, imports slipped 4.3% (-24,559 mt), partially affected by the shorter working month due to the observance of the Mid-Autumn festivities. 

Annually, imports plummeted by 9.2% (-54,457 mt) in September, marking the eighth consecutive month since the start of the year...

ILA Dockworkers to Return to Work as Port Strike Ends Following Tentative Agreement

Dockworkers from the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) returned to work on Friday after reaching a tentative wage agreement with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) Thursday, bringing an end to the three-day strike that halted shipping operations along the East and Gulf Coasts.

"Effective immediately, all current job actions will cease, and all work covered by the Master Contract will resume,” according to a joint statement issued by both parties Thursday. The Master Contract will be extended until January 15, 2025, giving negotiators additional...

Hurricane Helene Intensifies U.S. Agriculture Disruptions As Port Strike Officially Starts

Hurricane Helene, a powerful Category 4 storm, made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on September 26, 2024. The storm caused widespread destruction across the southeastern U.S., with the death toll approaching 125 as of this writing. 

Its damaging winds, storm surge, and flooding led to power outages and infrastructure damage in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas–with the Carolinas seemingly suffering the greatest impacts. Parts of North Carolina are submerged under water, where roads have been washed out and properties have been flattened. As of October 1...

ANALYSIS: Korea Poised for Early Activation of Safeguard Mechanism on Australian Beef Amid US Supply

Australian beef imports into Korea could face a tariff rate increase of 24.0% as the Special Agricultural Safeguard (SSG) mechanism is expected to activate earlier than in previous years. Korea's increasing reliance on Australian beef amid dwindling US supply has long suggested an earlier activation of the safeguard tariffs. 

Under the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA), the safeguard volume for this year is set at 188,437 metric tonnes (mt). Any imports exceeding this safeguard volume limit in 2024 will incur a tariff rate of 24.0%...

Biden-Harris Administration Delivers Over $26.7 Billion In Market Access for U.S. Agriculture

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that the Biden-Harris Administration has secured over $26.7 billion in agricultural market access across the globe for America’s farmers, ranchers, fishers, and food manufacturers. Under President Biden and Vice President Harris’s leadership, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack have worked to ensure American agriculture can reach global markets and customers around the world...

ANALYSIS: Mexico’s Livestock Trade Deficit Persists Amid Volatile USD:MXD

The Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas (GCMA) reported that Mexico's livestock trade balance remains in deficit, driven by increasing domestic prices that spurred record beef and pork imports. Between January and July 2024, meat imports totaled 1.67 million tonnes, a 6.3% increase from the same period in 2023.

Homero García de la Llata, president of Mexicos National Confederation of Livestock Organizations (CNOG), pointed out that several problems and weaknesses are affecting livestock farming in Mexico. These include low productivity, limited financing, and a lack of innovation and technology....

ANALYSIS: Mexican Beef Imports and Exports Overview

During 2024, the Mexican beef market experienced its lowest levels of exports to the United States in the past three years. This was a consequence of the strengthening of the Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar, which began at the end of 2022 and continued to strengthen throughout 2023 and the first two quarters of 2024. This led to a widespread pattern where bids from U.S. buyers were simply unattractive to Mexican sellers, who preferred to place their product in the domestic market, which offered higher figures...

USMEF Statement on Colombia Fully Reopening to U.S. Beef

With the Colombian government recently lifting its ban on U.S. beef originating from states in which H5N1 was detected in dairy cows, the Export Library for Colombia has been updated to reflect restored access for beef from 14 states.

U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom issued the following statement:

On behalf of USMEF’s membership, I want to thank the U.S. government, and especially the teams at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Food Safety and Inspection...

ANALYSIS: Pork Exports Surged to 10-Year Highs in July

The USDA's latest pork import/export report reveals a robust trend in U.S. pork exports, reaching a decade-high volume of 566,659 thousand pounds in July 2024. This marks an 8.1% increase from the previous month and a significant 12.3% year-over-year growth.

Mexico, a key trade partner, saw a substantial increase in U.S. pork imports, with a 25.6% month-over-month and 25.9% year-over-year surge, potentially driven by HPAI restrictions impacting US poultry exports, which has since begun to ease... 

ANALYSIS: China Set to Trigger Safeguard Mechanism on Australian Beef Imports for the 5th Time

Australian beef imports into China may soon face a 12.0% Most-Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff rate, as the Special Agricultural Safeguard (SSG) mechanism is set to trigger for the fifth time.

Following previous activations in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2023, this tariff applies for the remainer of the year if imports from Australia exceed 178,418 mt in 2024.

Based on the data from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, imports from Australia at the end of July...

September Import Cargo to Remain Elevated Ahead of Possible Port Strike

The nation’s major container ports are expected to see another busy month in September ahead of a potential labor strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“This is a critical time as retailers prepare for the all-important holiday season, and we need every port in the country working at full capacity,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand's July 2024 Beef Exports Record 19.6% M-O-M Decline; Exports to China Nosedive

New Zealand’s beef exports in July 2024 amounted to 40,046 metric tonnes (mt), falling 19.6% or 9,734 mt compared to the same period last month, data from Stats NZ indicated.

Notable decreases were seen in exports to the United States (US) and China, in line with seasonal production patterns and lower cattle numbers. Year-on-year (y-o-y), exports fell 13.8% or 6,427 mt. Higher exports to the key Japanese, Canadian and Korean markets helped to mitigate further falls... 

USMEF Chair Sees Potential for U.S. Red Meat in Indonesia

USMEF Chair Randy Spronk joined a team of representatives from the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) to meet with prospective buyers and study market opportunities for U.S. soybeans and red meat in Indonesia. USMEF member ISA, which has developed strong trade relationships providing soy protein in Indonesia, coordinated with USMEF staff on the day-long event.

USMEF ASEAN Director Sabrina Yin and Indonesia Representative Arrofi Satrio Alam set up a meet-and-greet for the ISA group with Indonesian meat importers and presented a...

ANALYSIS: China's July 2024 Beef Imports Rebound; Ebbing Economy Slashes Yearly Growth by 27%

China’s July beef imports rebounded 3.2% month-on-month (m-o-m) from June’s 13-month low at 215,322 metric tonnes (mt), according to the data released by the General Administration of Customs People's Republic of China.  

This growth was led largely by higher imports from its key suppliers such as Brazil, Australia, the United States (US) and Uruguay. Earlier in June 2024, volumes plunged to a 13-month low, falling to 208,718 mt. 

The higher July beef import figures were in line with the... 

ANALYSIS: Exchange Rate Dynamics in Mexico’s Beef Industry

The exchange rate has been one of the main topics of conversation throughout 2024 in Mexico's beef industry, due to its significant impact on imports and exports. In both directions, it serves as an incentive to achieve higher returns from the purchase or sale of materials. 

Over the past 10 years, this influence has been particularly evident; as the peso strengthens against the dollar, exports tend to decrease, and vice versa. However, 2024 has presented a significant challenge. The volatility of the exchange rate, driven by both international and local factors...

ANALYSIS: July 2024 Brings 4.8% Rebound in China’s Meat Imports After Extended Decline

China’s July 2024 meat imports, including variety meats saw a 4.8% monthly increase, reaching 539,913 mt, according to preliminary customs statistics from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China. This marked the first rise after three consecutive months of declines. 

Earlier in June 2024, volumes slipped to a 12-month low, with volumes recorded at 514,957 mt. 

The yearly figures underscored China’s ongoing challenges in the meat sector. Imports continued to plummet, shedding 20.5% year...

ANALYSIS: New Zealand's Beef Exports in 1H 2024, Balancing China's Decline and US’s Growth

In 1H 2024, New Zealand’s beef exports totalled 287,509 metric tonnes (mt), posting a modest 1.5% gain or 4,182 mt compared to the same period last year, data from Stats NZ indicated. 

Most of this growth were led largely by increased allocations to the United States (US), Canada and Japan, while sharp declines were noted to the Chinese market. The undersupplied US market has been a solid destination for New Zealand’s beef as China demand’s falters, taking up the lion’s share of the country’s exporting capacity. 

ANALYSIS: Korea’s 1H Beef Imports Dip 3.6% YOY Amid Weak Demand, Market Shake Up Looms Over FTA

Korea imported 248,113 mt of beef in the first half of the year, marking a 3.6% (9,182 mt) decline compared to the same period last year, the latest Korea Customs Service data showed.

The country sourced most of its beef from Australia (46.3% market share), the United States (US) (46.3% market share), with New Zealand (3.9% market share) and Canada (3.0% market share) making up the rest.

In January to June 2024, imports from Australia surged 13.9% year-on...