The U.S.A exports 17 billion pounds of beef, pork and poultry annually, which adds up to 23 percent of the total pork produced, 18 percent of the poultry, and 14 percent of the beef. Over the past three years, beef exports have increased by double digits each year, a major reason this market is as good as it is. Beef exports in 2015 totaled 2.2 billion pounds, whereas in 2018 exports totaled 3.2 billion pounds.
In addition to a rise in exports, the quality of beef produced has increased as well, driving domestic and international demand. The U.S. is producing 11 billion pounds of protein more today than five years ago, making the export market an important contributor.
