Although it seems America consumes a lot of beef, 80 percent of the economic buying power comes from the global market and this number is only increasing. As the world continues to recover from the global pandemic, the beef industry is reaping the benefits in the foreign markets.

The Beef Checkoff teamed up with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to continue economic growth and protect producers' bottom line.

Together, these organizations are working to bring awareness to U.S. beef by expanding the market potential, gaining trust, and exploring new market opportunities.

The past year was record breaking in terms of growth. USMEF reported 870,471 metric tons of beef exported from January 2022 to July 2022: a 6 percent increase from a year ago. The six-month timeframe returned $7.2 billion to the U.S. beef industry.

“Global demand for U.S. beef has eclipsed anything I have seen in many years in the meat business,” shared USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom in a press release from the Beef Checkoff. “While this momentum is fueled by mainstay markets such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, demand is also very strong in China/ Hong Kong and key Latin American markets, while exports to the Middle East have rebounded impressively.”

The groups have developed different campaigns in these progressive markets and, so far, they have proven successful.

Japan is currently leading the way in beef exports. There, USMEF supported stickers, materials, contests, and giveaways to help promote the product at over 1,000 retail stores.

In July, beef exports to Japan approached 30,726 metric tons valued at $231.6 billion. The country continues to buy beef variety meats like tongues and skirts.

The rest of Asia is not far behind in their buying power. China continues to be a big supporter of U.S. beef, buying 26,884 metric tons of beef exports. South Korea contributes the most value to U.S. beef exports in Asia bringing in $1.72 billion.

Additionally, the Beef Checkoff and USMEF have been growing the market in Taiwan by educating restaurant chefs about alternative cuts and new marketing ideas.

South America and Latin America are growing their beef markets as well. In Mexico, chefs and nutritionists are selling U.S. beef to local consumers by promoting the nutritional benefits and sharing new recipes. In smaller countries like Peru and Chile, education and training are being held to bring more value to the market.

Columbian butchers worked with the U.S. to learn more about proper handling methods and new merchandising techniques to increase sales. This campaign proved to be a success, increasing the supply to 5,906 metric ton in July: a 52 percent increase.

In 2021, U.S. beef exports exceeded $10 billion for the first time. With the first half of 2022 already off to a record-breaking start, that number will continue to surpass previous records.