Quality over volume: Why export access remains critical for beef markets and cattle producers

""Trade, Bacus says, is about maximizing carcass value, not diverting product from U.S. consumers. Items such as omasum and beef tongue command premiums in Asian markets but have limited domestic appeal. "We're not going to be able to eat the entire carcass here in the U.S. market," he says. At the same time, the U.S. imports lean trimmings to meet strong ground beef demand - a complementary dynamic rather than a contradiction.""

""While South America continues to grow production, Bacus maintains the U.S. competitive edge lies in quality and efficiency, not volume. "We are on that value game," he says, emphasizing the need for predictable, rules-based trade that protects the reputation of U.S. beef. For producers, the message is clear: strong prices are welcome, but sustained profitability depends on keeping export markets open and competitive.""

Renewed access to the United Kingdom and Australia has been achieved, but the loss of China removed a $1.4 billion export market that absorbed cuts limiting domestic demand. Re-entering China and gaining competitive access in Southeast Asia are priorities. Export markets maximize carcass value by placing premiums on items with limited U.S. appeal, while the U.S. imports lean trimmings to meet strong ground beef demand, creating a complementary supply dynamic. South American production growth is ongoing, but the U.S. competitive edge remains quality and efficiency rather than volume. Predictable, rules-based trade is needed to protect U.S. beef reputation and sustain producer profitability.

Read at Realagriculture