The demise of global trade as politicians push protectionist policies is overstated, says the head of the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
Exports remain critical for food security and maximizing the value of surplus ag production in the U.S., says Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO, speaking with RealAg’s Shaun Haney about the state of U.S. beef and pork exports in the interview below.
“We have an ag surplus, and there are countries out there that are in severe deficit. So if you look at just from the standpoint of food security alone, it makes a lot of sense. And then you add in the economic component, it makes even more sense,” says Halstrom.
U.S. beef and pork exports are seeing increasing demand in Latin America, as well as emerging regions of southeast Asia and parts of Africa, he says.
In some of these markets, like Mexico and some Central American countries, demand for beef has remained surprisingly strong with prices at record highs, challenging assumptions about the elasticity of beef consumers.
“We ran up to close to 330 here not too long ago on a choice cut out, and you know what, Mexico and Central America, they’re still buying,” says Halstrom. “So I think what you’re seeing is a realization and an adoption of the fact that the international Latin American buyer wants quality, and is willing to pay for it.”
Listen to this discussion on meat export trends, the value of trade, and emerging markets for North American beef, pork, and lamb with the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s Dan Halstrom, recorded at the 2024 North American Farm Broadcaster’s convention in Kansas City:
Related: Households still choose beef, even at sustained higher retail prices
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