The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) admits it has been a tough year for meat exports nationwide with 2014 being a record year for beef and pork. USMEF’s Vice President of Communications, Joe Schuele, was at this year’s NAFB Trade Talk and gave a complete market update.

“One thing is encouraging on the beef side. We have been in a period of herd rebuilding so we will see a larger calf crop for the first time in quite a long while. I think that has reassured our international buyers U.S. beef supply isn’t perpetually shrinking. Exports have helped stimulate some growth and we have been able to see a moderation in our prices over the last few months. We will have ample supplies for some of those key Asian markets.”

On the pork side, Joe said we will still be able to compete with the Asian market and the Trans-Pacific Partnership should open doors to better market access in Japan and Vietnam. Also reminding buyers that the U.S. is a reliable supplier of pork.

Listen to my complete interview with Joe to see how TPP and TTIP will be impacting meat trade in the coming years. Interview with Joe Schuele, USMEF

View and download photos from the event here: NAFB Convention Photo Album