US beef exports posted mixed results in May 2026, with lower shipment volumes offset by higher export value as stronger prices and demand in several key markets boosted returns.
According to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), exports of beef and by-products totaled 91,925 tonnes, down 5% year-on-year, while export value increased 2% to US$ 818.1 million.
The strongest performances came from Taiwan, Japan, ASEAN countries, Central and South America, and Egypt, where higher-value shipments helped offset weaker sales to China.
Export value per fed steer or heifer slaughtered reached US$/head 468 in May, up 15% from a year earlier and the highest level since July 2022. The January-May average increased 5% to US$ 435.38.
China remained the weakest destination despite the renewal of expired US plant registrations in mid-May. Technical trade barriers continue to limit exports, with shipments totaling just 471 tonnes worth US$ 2.7 million in May.
Through the first five months of the year, US beef exports declined 10% in volume to 457,063 tonnes and 5% in value to US$ 3.95 billion. Excluding China, however, export volume was down less than 1%, while export value increased 6%.
USMEF expects South Korea to become a stronger market during the second half of the year as higher safeguard tariffs on Australian beef improve the competitiveness of US product. Meanwhile, Taiwan continued to post strong growth, while exports to South America, ASEAN countries and Egypt also delivered higher returns, underscoring the continued importance of export markets for the US beef industry.
