US beef variety meat exports set back-to-back value records
February value climbs 40% as Mexico and Taiwan also hold firm
1 May 2026
1 minute read
By: US beef variety meat exports have strengthened in recent months, reaching a monthly value record in December ($122 million) and breaking that record in January ($126 million), according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
February variety meat exports were also robust, climbing 12% from a year ago to 24,081 mt, while value surged 40% to $106 million. Through February, beef variety meat exports increased 9% to 51,592 mt, with value up 43% to $232 million. While much of this growth was driven by tongues and skirts to Japan, shipments also increased to Korea, South Africa, Peru, Colombia and Vietnam. Exports to Mexico were steady in volume but increased 13% in value.
Total February beef exports to Mexico edged 2% higher year-over-year in volume (17,590 mt), while value increased 11% to $124.3 million. Through February, shipments to Mexico increased 12% in value ($248.8 million) despite a 2% decline in volume (36,426 mt).
Beef exports to Taiwan reached 4,200 mt in February, up 5% from a year ago, though value fell 9% to $44.4 million. Through February, shipments to Taiwan climbed 38% to 9,831 mt, while value increased 23% to $107.4 million. As noted above, the US has reached a reciprocal trade agreement with Taiwan that will eliminate tariffs on US beef and reduce technical barriers, but implementation is pending.
