Despite financial conditions around the globe and the increasing value of the U.S. dollar - the U.S. Meat Export Federation reports U.S. beef and pork exports performed well in August. According to USMEF - August pork plus variety meats exports declined in comparison to the record monthly totals set earlier in the year - but the 444-million dollar total for the month pushed the year’s export value beyond the total achieved in 2007.

Just through the first eight months of this year - pork exports reached a value of 3.21-billion dollars. That’s compared to 3.15-billion in all of 2007. The export volume also exceeds the 2007 year-end total at 3.03-billion pounds. USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng says this is an amazing milestone for pork exports. He says an all-time high 2008 was anticipated - but breaking the record before Labor Day is an accomplishment.

January to August pork exports have increased 71-percent in volume and 64-percent in value compared to the same period last year. Japan is the number one market for U.S. pork - valued at 992.7-million for the year. USMEF says Mexico is a strong growth market. January to August volume is up 35-percent and value is up 46-percent over last year. Exports to Russia have increased 174-percent in volume and 177-percent in value.

August beef plus variety meat exports topped July totals by almost 15-percent - setting a new, all-time monthly record in terms of value. The 416-million dollar total surpasses the 387-million dollar mark set in June of 2003. Year-to-date - USMEF says beef exports have recovered 93-percent of value and 75-percent of volume when compared to January to August of 2003.