US Leads Global Meat Exports with 8.86 Million Tons

Abstract

In 2021, the United States led global meat exports, shipping 8.86 million tons (Mt) of agricultural meat. Historically, the U.S. has consistently ranked among the top exporters due to its large-scale production, efficient supply chains, and access to key markets like Asia and North America. Key products include beef, pork, and poultry, supported by advancements in feed technology and farming practices. Past trends show steady growth, driven by rising global protein demand, particularly in emerging markets. Challenges include trade disputes, environmental concerns, and competition from countries like Brazil and Australia, which are also major exporters capitalizing on expanding markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Meat export volume (worldwide)

From 1961 to 2021, global meat exports have steadily increased, reflecting growing global demand for animal protein. The United States achieved a record 8.86 million tons (Mt) of meat exports in 2021, marking 100% of its peak. This growth highlights the U.S.’s efficiency in large-scale livestock production, advanced supply chains, and strategic market access, particularly in Asia and North America. Over the decades, trends show shifting consumer preferences, expanding global trade networks, and rising production in emerging markets like Brazil. Key challenges have included trade barriers, disease outbreaks, and environmental pressures, which continue to shape export dynamics globally.

The maximum is the latest one, 92.5Mt of China

Meat export volumes (latest year, countries around the world)

In 2021, global agricultural meat exports totaled 55.2 million tons (Mt), with the United States leading at a record 8.86 Mt, far surpassing the global average of 327 kilotons (kt). This highlights the dominance of a few major exporters like the U.S., Brazil, and Australia, which benefit from large-scale production, efficient logistics, and access to key markets. Over time, global exports have grown steadily, driven by rising protein demand, especially in Asia and the Middle East. Trends show increasing specialization, with regions focusing on specific meats like beef or poultry, alongside challenges from trade policies, disease management, and sustainability concerns.

The maximum is 92.5Mt of China, the average is 1.86Mt, and the total is 341Mt

Meat export volume (continent)

In 2021, global agricultural meat exports reached a record 55.2 million tons (Mt), reflecting decades of growth driven by rising global protein demand and expanding trade networks. Major exporters like the United States, Brazil, and Australia dominate, leveraging large-scale production and efficient supply chains to meet demand in key markets such as Asia and the Middle East. Trends show a shift towards poultry and pork as cost-effective proteins, alongside growing sustainability concerns and innovations in disease control and logistics. Challenges include environmental impacts, trade disputes, and competition among emerging markets seeking to expand their export share.

The maximum is the latest one, 157Mt of Asia

Meat export volume (latest year, continental)

In 2021, global agricultural meat exports reached an unprecedented 55.2 million tons (Mt), marking a peak in trade volumes. This reflects the growing demand for animal protein worldwide, supported by advancements in production efficiency and trade logistics. The global average also stood at 55.2 Mt, highlighting the concentration of exports among a few major players like the United States, Brazil, and Australia, which lead the market with large-scale operations and access to key markets. Trends show increasing diversification of export destinations, shifting consumer preferences, and ongoing challenges like trade policies, disease management, and environmental sustainability.

The maximum is 157Mt of Asia, the average is 56.8Mt, and the total is 341Mt

Main data

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