US beef exports surge to Taiwan and Central America - USMEF
Mexico remains key buyer of variety meats
22 May 2025
2 minute read
By: March was a bounce-back month for US beef exports to Taiwan, which jumped 34% from a year ago to 5,086 mt, while export value climbed 33% to $60.5 million, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
These results pushed first-quarter exports to Taiwan 1% above last year’s pace at 12,212 mt, while export value climbed 11% to $147.6 million. The US is the dominant supplier of high-value chilled beef in Taiwan, capturing 72% of the chilled import market.
Beef exports to Mexico also closed the first quarter on a high note, increasing 6% from a year ago in March to 17,592 mt, while export value climbed 7% to $110.9 million. For January through March, shipments to Mexico were 3% below last year’s pace at 54,861 mt, while value was steady at $332.7 million. Mexico is the leading volume destination for US beef variety meat, including large volumes of tripe, lips and hearts. First-quarter variety meat shipments increased 5% from a year ago in volume (30,162 mt) and 6% in value ($81.6 million).
Coming off a record year in 2024, beef exports to Central America continue to gain momentum. Led by growth in Guatemala and Panama, March exports to the region increased 23% from a year ago to 2,158 mt, valued at $19.8 million (up 29%). First-quarter exports were 5% above last year at 6,018 mt, with exports to Costa Rica and Panama on a record pace. Value climbed an impressive 24% to $52.5 million, led by a record value pace in Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras.
