Beef imports to the U.S. have long been accused of disrupting the domestic cattle market. Is that accusation accurate?

Nevil Speer

July 9, 2018

2 Min Read
Here’s how much beef imports contribute to total beef supply

Of all the topics I’ve covered over the years, international trade is seemingly the one from which I’ve received the most feedback from readers. And the enduring question that seems to always emerge revolves around the collective impact of imports. That is, many readers appreciate the importance of exports, but are often concerned about what imports might be doing to the market. 

Because of the heightened activity around international trade, this column has recently emphasized the topic as it relates to the beef industry. Thus far, that’s primarily included four separate discussions to provide readers some context around imports and exports. Those prior columns have highlighted these key points:

As noted above, the overwhelming majority of imports to the U.S. are comprised of lean trimmings. Nevertheless, there still remains concern about the overall impact of imports on the market. To that end, this week’s graph provides some long-term context around imports – expressed as a contributor to overall supply. Total beef supply defined as previous year holdings in cold storage, domestic production and imports.

July-2018-import-contribution.png

This year’s import contribution is projected to fall below 9% - just slightly under the overall average of 9.3% dating back to 2000. Canada is perhaps where the most angst lies, largely because of their ability to feed cattle and produce high-quality beef. Canadian imports through June are up year-over-year, but as total contribution still only comprise 2.5% of the beef supply and remain lower compared to levels prior to 2010. Meanwhile, imports from Mexico and Australia are down year to date.

Based on this data, what’s your perspective about the historical run of imports to the U.S.? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. 

Nevil Speer serves as an industry consultant and is based in Bowling Green, KY. Contact him at [email protected].

About the Author(s)

Nevil Speer

Nevil Speer serves as an industry consultant and is based in Bowling Green, KY.

Nevil Speer has extensive experience and involvement with the livestock and food industry including various service and consultation projects spanning such issues as market competition, business and economic implications of agroterrorism, animal identification, assessment of price risk and market volatility on the producer segment, and usage of antibiotics in animal agriculture.
 
Dr. Speer writes about many aspects regarding agriculture and the food industry with regular contribution to BEEF and Feedstuffs.  He’s also written several influential industry white papers dealing with issues such as changing business dynamics in the beef complex, producer decision-making, and country-of-origin labeling.
 
He serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Animal Agriculture.
 
Dr. Speer holds both a PhD in Animal Science and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Contact him at [email protected].

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