Building on Strong Global Protein Demand in 2026

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While final export numbers for 2025 have not yet been tallied, demand for U.S. beef, pork and lamb remained strong despite headwinds ranging from tariffs and a strong dollar to tight beef supplies, according to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom. He notes much of that demand growth is coming from key free trade agreement partners.

As USMEF looks forward to the new year, that strong protein demand is expected to remain, especially with an emerging middle class in many developing regions. Halstrom says partnerships like the new USDA America First Trade Promotion Program will allow USMEF to lay the groundwork to build demand for U.S. red meat in rapidly growing markets like Central America and emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa in 2026.

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