000621 US Beef & Pork Exports Higher Due to AsiaJune 11, 2000Washington - Exports of U.S. meat this year will be larger than previously estimated, with beef exports now estimated at 2.515 billion pounds and pork at 1.275 billion pounds, thanks to growing Asian demand, the U.S. Agriculture Department said. In its monthly world supply and demand report, USDA raised its estimates for year 2000 exports for both meats, citing “continued strong foreign demand” and robust first quarter sales. Last month, USDA had estimated 2000 beef exports at 2.4 billion pounds and pork at 1.2 billion pounds. “Despite falling U.S. beef production, demand for high-quality U.S. beef in the recovering Asian markets is expected to bolster U.S. exports,” the USDA said. “Pork exports are also expected to remain high as economic growth continues in major importing countries.” U.S. beef production was forecast to decline in the second half of 2000 as producers begin retaining heifers for herd expansion instead of taking them to market. Pork production estimates were unchanged by the USDA, which is scheduled to release its quarterly Hogs and Pigs report on June 23.
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