U.S. beef export demand remains strong through the first three quarters of 2026, even as export volumes face pressure from tighter supplies and market volatility. Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), spoke with Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays after a presentation he made to the Oklahoma Beef Council about beef export performance, growing international demand for high-quality U.S. beef and expectations for the final quarter of the year.
“Despite all the volatility, demand remains very, very strong,” Halstrom said. “For the year we’re down slightly on volume, but for the year we are even with a year ago on value.”
Taiwan, Mexico and Korea Contribute to Beef Export Performance
Halstrom pointed to several international markets helping support U.S. beef export value. Taiwan continues to perform particularly well, with exports running at a record pace. “Taiwan, which is a very big chilled beef program market, 52 weeks of the year, where we have the dominating share in retail in Taiwan, 80% of the imported share is ours,” Halstrom said.
Taiwan’s purchases are up more than 20% for the year, according to Halstrom. He also highlighted Mexico and Central America as important contributors. While Mexico is essentially steady with a year ago, Halstrom said that performance is encouraging given current beef prices.
South Korea, the industry’s largest export market, has experienced a decline. Halstrom explained that Australian beef benefited from a zero-duty quota earlier in the year, creating additional competition for U.S. beef.
However, he expects the competitive situation to improve as the United States returns to a 25% duty advantage. “We will finish the year strong in Korea, and we’ll be another 2.2 or 2.3 billion dollar year in Korea,” Halstrom said.
Despite tighter U.S. beef supplies, Halstrom said international buyers have not backed away from the product because of higher prices. “The thing I tell people is that we did not see anyone backing off from U.S. beef due to price,” Halstrom said. “Now, lack of supply, you know, in certain times of the year because our supply is down a bit, is more the concern.”
International Buyers Showing Greater Demand for Prime Beef
Another encouraging development for U.S. beef exports is the growing international appetite for higher-quality beef.
Halstrom said Prime production is running at a record pace, accounting for approximately 15% of U.S. beef production this year. Demand for Prime beef is also expanding beyond traditional high-end markets such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Markets including Mexico, Colombia and Guatemala are increasingly purchasing Prime beef and showing a willingness to pay for that quality. “To me, that’s a major shift in not only appreciating our quality, but they’re willing to pay for it,” Halstrom said.
He explained that international buying patterns, particularly in Mexico, have changed considerably over the years. “Today, that conversation is totally switched. They want choice, they want choice and higher, they want upper two thirds, they want CAB, and they want Prime,” Halstrom said.
Halstrom said buyers are also becoming more knowledgeable about the U.S. beef production system and are asking more detailed questions about the product. “The first question is not necessarily price,” Halstrom said. “The first question might be: how’s the moisture? When are we going to retain heifers? These buyers are getting more and more sophisticated, and trying to understand our process and why, because they like our quality.”
He also recalled how Mexican buyers once approached the market looking for discounted product, often calling at the end of the week to see what was left over. “That’s the way they bought, and it’s not anything like that today,” Halstrom said. “They very much understand the quality and they appreciate it.”
Halstrom Optimistic About Fourth-Quarter Beef Exports
Looking ahead, Halstrom expects international beef demand to remain strong through the final quarter of the year, particularly in Asian markets.
He said South Korea could be a major contributor as U.S. beef regains its competitive advantage. The holiday season also typically provides additional support for beef exports.
While market volatility and tighter domestic supplies remain challenges, Halstrom said the overall demand picture is encouraging. “I think the last quarter, especially in Asia with Korea, will be strong,” Halstrom said. “Typically, the last quarter is strong anyway with the holidays and everything.”
Ultimately, Halstrom said the industry’s challenges should not overshadow the strength of international demand for U.S. beef. “We might have a lot of challenges, but demand is not one of them,” Halstrom said. “Demand is good.”
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