FILE - In this April 8, 2020, file photo, the Smithfield pork processing plant stands in Sioux Falls, S.D. Meat exports are surging this spring at the same time the processing industry is struggling to meet domestic demand as workers get sick with the coronavirus and companies scramble to make plants safer for employees. The meat industry says that if companies manage to keep workers healthy and plants operating, there should be plenty of supply to satisfy both U.S. and export markets.
If companies manage to keep their workers healthy and plants operating, there should be plenty of supply to satisfy domestic and foreign markets, according to industry officials. The Meat Export Federation said pork exports jumped 40% and beef exports grew 9% during the first three months of the year. Chicken exports, meanwhile, grew by 8% in the first quarter. Complete figures weren’t yet available for April, but Agriculture Department figures for the last week of April show that pork exports jumped by 40% as shipments to China andsurged and exports to Mexico and Canada remained strong. Beef exports declined by 22% in that last week of April.
It’s also worth noting that meat exports to China and other Asian markets include cuts such as pig feet, snouts and internal organs that have little value in the United States. The most popular cuts in the U.S., including bacon and pork chops, largely stay in the domestic market. More than half of the chicken exports to China were chicken feet. And the Meat Export Federation says demand from the export market helps boost meat production in the U.S.
Meat production in the United States is dominated by a few huge companies — JBS, Smithfield, Tyson Foods and Cargill. Cameron Bruett, a spokesman for JBS, said that Brazilian-owned company has reduced exports to help ensure it can satisfy U.S. demand for its products. Tyson Foods and Cargill didn’t respond to questions about their exports.
Kansas State agricultural economist Glynn Tonsor said he thinks the industry will get past the shortage concerns within the next several weeks.
SMITHFIELD is A CHINESE COMPANY. IT'S SHOULDN'T BE A SURPRISE THAT THEY'RE EXPORTING -- ONLY THAT TRUMP DIDN'T STOP THEM!
Meat that is tainted with pot is being exported? Are pot dealers trying to start a war by exporting deadly pot tainted meat now?
Good for the exports
Merica 1st!!! 😂👍
realdonaldtrump senatemajldr 1) impeached 2)highest unemployment ever 3)highest death total ever over 100,000 4)worst stock market low ever 5)worst economy ever 6)highest ever deficit 7 ) most lies ever 18k = one every 15 minutes. thewallsareclosingfeelthepressure
China owns Smithfield...
Isn't it nice that rich CEO's & investor's aren't losing any money while their employees are getting sick & dying AND because of Trump's incompetent handling of Covid19, Americans are having a hard time buying their products - because of both unavailability & lack of cash. MAGA
Don't worry, we have plenty of people in ICE custody we can use to replace those that get sick or die. Just keep it open at all cost
Trump keep the meat plant open in order for them to export 4 times more while US meat falls flat.
Smithfield is owned by China. China is sending meat from this country to their country, to feed their people. it's just that simple.
Smithfield is (sadly) a Chinese company. 'Then known as Shuanghui Group, WH Group purchased Smithfield Foods in 2013 for $4.72 billion. It was the largest Chinese acquisition of an American company to date.'
I love a good Texas T-Bone.
DO Y'ALL THINK IM CUTE AF!!? BE HONEST THO smhh 😩😭
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