May 2020 saw a significant decrease in beef and pork exports from the United States, with beef exports dropping 33% in volume and 34% in value, and pork exports experiencing a 12% rise in volume but a 13% decrease in value compared to the same period last year. The decline in beef exports is attributed to plant disruptions due to COVID-19 and economic headwinds, despite the US-China Phase One Economic and Trade Agreement providing some momentum. Pork exports, on the other hand, were driven by demand in China and Hong Kong, but faced challenges in Japan and Mexico due to reduced production, COVID-19 restrictions, and currency issues. Lamb exports also saw a decline in both volume and value. The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) remains optimistic, citing market access gains and anticipated growth in demand for US meat products.