According to a report from Capital Press, beef exports decreased 33% by volume to 87,391 tons in May, following disruptions "due to the coronavirus pandemic and economic slowdowns." U.S. beef exports also dropped 34% in value to $480.1 million.

“Unfortunately the (production) impact was quite severe, especially on the beef side,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “Exports also faced some significant economic headwinds, especially in our Western Hemisphere markets, as stay-at-home orders were implemented in key destinations and several trading partners dealt with slumping currencies,” he said.

Pork exports were up 12% by volume in May to 268,769 tons and up 9% by value to $620.9 million.