U.S. Beef Sales Destined for Export Climb Dramatically

WASHINGTON, DC – The new marketing year is now underway for wheat and according to USDA’s Weekly Export Sales Report, the new year begins with 270,400 metric tons sold primarily to Guatemala, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Exports for the period ending May 31 were 2 percent higher with the Philippines, Nigeria, and South Africa taking the largest share. Net corn sales for this past week were up 4 percent from the previous week with Japan, Colombia, and South Korea the major buyers. Exports were down 8 percent primarily to Mexico, South Korea, and Japan. Sorghum sales were down 25 percent from the previous week as China and Eritrea represented the only buyers. Exports were up noticeably from the previous week, once again to China and Eritrea. Soybeans sales were up noticeably from the previous week as China, unknown destinations, and Mexico hit the top three customer list. Exports of 292,600 metric tons represent a marketing-year low. The destinations were primarily Japan, Bangladesh, and Mexico. Net sales for cotton were noticeably lower last week, but also higher than the 4-week average. China, Vietnam, and Pakistan were the top buyers. Cotton exports were 24 percent higher with the largest shipments heading to China, Vietnam, and Turkey. Beef sales climbed 66 percent from the previous week with large purchases coming from South Korea, Japan, and Mexico. Exports increased by 14 percent from the previous week with shipments destined for Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. Net pork sales fell 1 percent from the previous week on lower purchases from Mexico, Canada, and China. Exports were up slightly from the previous week, as China, Mexico, and Japan were the most popular destinations.
(SOURCE: Foreign Agriculture Service)