United States
Prior to the discovery of the first case of BSE in the US in December 2003, the US was the world's second largest beef exporter, behind Australia. Since then US exports have remained at relatively low levels.
Mexico and Canada are the top two markets for US beef, although 2009 saw volumes fall to these markets due to their slumping currencies and a decline in live cattle imports from Canada and Mexico, which pressured their own domestic beef supplies higher.
The US continues to direct its efforts on increasing market share in North Asia. Exports to Japan in 2009 increased 19% on the previous year, to 124,546 tonnes cwt.
Export statistics
In January 2010, US beef exports reached 69,661 tonnes cwt, 19% higher than a year earlier. Exports rose to all major destinations except Mexico (6% lower), South Korea (down 4%) and Vietnam (25% lower).
Read the US Red Meat Market Report for more information on the US beef industry
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