Exports of U.S. beef and variety meats in August surpassed July exports by almost 15%, logging in at $416 million. That exceeds the previous value record of $387 million set in June 2003.

Year to date, beef exports have recovered 93% of value and 75% of volume when compared to January-August 2003. BSE was discovered in the U.S. in December 2003, which led to the loss of virtually all U.S. beef export markets.

Mexico and Canada combined to account for about 60% of August's beef export volume and 63% of export value.