US beef exports fall 19% in July as China demand plunges
Shipments to Korea rise, but 2025 forecast cut 12% overall
9 October 2025
1 minute read
By: According to the US Department of Agriculture's Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook for September, US beef exports in July totalled 211 million pounds, 19% lower than a year ago.
Monthly exports to the top six markets were lower year over year except for South Korea, which were up 15% year over year. Exports to China were down 94% while exports to Taiwan were nearly 26% lower year over year. Exports to Mexico were 17% lower than July 2024. Year-to-date exports are shown in the chart below.
Exports to South Korea through July were up 9% compared to the same period last year but exports to all other major markets were lower. Exports to China were down more than 47%. Year-to-date exports to Mexico were down 10%.
Brazil has been shipping more beef to Mexico with year-to-date exports through August up nearly 200% compared to the same period last year. The export forecasts for the third and fourth quarters of 2025 are lowered 25 and 15 million pounds, respectively. The annual forecast for 2025 is now 2.642 billion pounds, which, if realised, would be a year-over-year decrease of 12%. The annual forecast for 2026 is lowered 20 million pounds to 2.525 billion pounds.
