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U.S. beef exports still face China setback, but rising value and trade talks fuel optimism

The president of the U.S. Meat Export Federation says China could return as a buyer of U.S. beef after going more than a year without purchases.  Dan Halstrom says Presidents Trump and Xi are set to meet next week.  “We do know that beef is on the list along with soybeans and other ag products,” he says. “So cautious optimism is there for some improvements.” 

Beef exports continue to run below last year’s level, largely due to the continued lockout in the Chinese market.  “But, the value, even though we may not have as much volume as we would like, the value continues to grow,” he says.  “Over $450 per head for every animal slaughtered, so that’s the highest in 12 months.” 

Halstrom says March was also a strong month for pork exports, which were up 6 percent in volume, the third largest on record, and up 4 percent in value, the second highest on record. 

Year-to-date, pork exports are 3 percent above the 2025 pace, while beef and beef variety meat exports are down 11 percent from last year.  Excluding China, beef exports are up 3 percent on volume and up 9 percent in value.