The US exported 1,177 metric tons of lamb in September, the volume increasing by 106% compared to September 2017, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF.
USMEF said this rise was fueled by a sharp increase in lamb variety meat exports to Mexico. Still, export value was down 12% to $1.63 million as muscle cuts continued to struggle.
Lamb muscle cut exports were just 126 mt in September, down 53% from a year ago and matching the lowest monthly volume of 2018.
Through the first three quarters of the year, lamb exports were 65% ahead of last year’s pace in volume (9,210 mt) and 16% higher in value ($17.1 million). The increase is mainly attributable to stronger variety meat demand in Mexico, but muscle cut exports showed promising growth in the Bahamas, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan and the Philippines.
