Beef inspectionThe USDA reported record beef export sales for the week ending August 8, with net beef sales totaling 28,100 tons. Sales to South Korea, Japan and China helped push exports higher with purchases of 11,400 tons, 6,300 tons, and 4,400 tons, respectively.

At the same time, pork hit a marketing low as several buyers reduced purchases. Net pork sales totaled 20,900 tons. This was a decrease of 40% for the week and 30% below the four-week average. The main purchasers were Japan at 8,300 tons, Mexico at 3,300 tons, South Korea at 1,900 tons, Canada at 2,000 tons and Australia at 1,700 tons.

Many factors can influence the export business. This includes domestic prices, global currency movement and seasonal changes in supply.

Read more on the record beef export sales here.