U.S. Beef’s Global Rise
Protein competition is fierce on the global stage, and the Beef Checkoff works diligently to encourage foreign countries to feature U.S. beef as a top protein choice. As a result of Checkoff-funded efforts, more consumers worldwide want the high-quality products cattlemen and women produce — growing demand and increasing the value of U.S. beef.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is the key partner implementing Beef Checkoff efforts internationally. USMEF promotes U.S. red meat around the world. With such expansive areas to cover, USMEF takes a boots-on-the-ground approach, featuring 16 international representatives with offices worldwide. Because they are local to the territories they cover, these USMEF professionals know and understand their marketplaces, as well as the trends and consumer preferences there. Program leaders help execute promotional campaigns and initiatives and increase market access in their areas. USMEF staff work directly with importers, chefs, retailers and consumers to grow trust in U.S. beef and drive long-term demand. Thanks to the enduring commitment of beef farmers and ranchers producing high-quality beef combined with USMEF efforts overseas, the U.S. beef industry has evolved from a modest exporter to a global leader, transforming low-value cuts into premium offerings and elevating the entire marketplace.
From Modest Trade to Market Driver
In the 1980s, U.S. beef exports were limited, inconsistent and largely low value. Fast forward to 2024, and exports accounted for nearly 14% of total beef production, contributing $415.08 in value per head of fed cattle slaughtered — the second-highest mark on record1. And that doesn’t include the $43.55 per head added by variety meats alone1.
What changed? A coordinated strategy to open international markets and connect with global consumers, powered by beef producers’ Checkoff investment and USMEF expertise.
Where Demand Is Growing
Between 2020 and 2024, the fastest-growing markets for U.S. beef by volume were the Caribbean, Hong Kong/China, Central America, Mexico and the Philippines. In 2023, exports to the Caribbean and Central America reached record highs, and exports to Mexico were the strongest since 20092.
Meanwhile, just six markets — Korea, China/Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan — accounted for 86% of total U.S. beef export value in 20242, reinforcing the importance of long-term relationships and consistent presence in these key regions.
Building Value
Beef Checkoff investments work to build preference for U.S. beef abroad. That’s where programs like those led by USMEF come in. In Taiwan, for example, the U.S. supplied 89% of total grain-fed beef imports in 20242. That growth was supported by programs like the Diamond Plus Precious (DPP) program, which recognizes restaurants that meet high standards for sourcing and promoting U.S. beef.
In Indonesia, USMEF recently partnered with a local importer and upscale retailer to promote American Wagyu. The event featured chef-led demos, livestreams with food influencers and in-store consumer education, creating awareness and driving demand for U.S. beef.
These kinds of programs help ensure international buyers are willing to pay a premium for U.S. beef, and that added value and high demand flow back to producers.
New Opportunities on the Horizon
Looking ahead, USMEF sees potential in educating buyers on underutilized cuts, especially from the round. In tight economic conditions, affordability matters, and U.S. beef offers versatile, economical solutions. By working directly with importers and chefs, Checkoff-funded efforts help prove the feasibility and profitability of these cuts in emerging markets.
There’s also long-term opportunity in Africa, where a growing middle class and urbanization are driving protein demand. A recent USMEF trade mission to Ghana connected 30 U.S. exporters with buyers from 12 African nations, laying the groundwork for future market development.
The Return on Investment Is Real
The numbers speak for themselves, thanks to producer support of Checkoff-funded export programs. Over the last decade, per-head export value has grown by more than $100. This return is built on years of investment, smart partnerships and the high-quality beef U.S. ranchers deliver every day.
Export growth isn’t just an industry win; it’s a producer win. When U.S. beef succeeds overseas, it brings more value home.
- Data supplied by USDA/FAS, USDA/NASS fed slaughter, USMEF.
- Data supplied by the U.S. Meat Export Federation
The Beef Checkoff program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
