US beef exports increased by 4% to 1.1 million tons from January to September, generating $9.12 billion in revenue, a 20% increase from the same period last year and the second highest on record. However, the industry faces challenges such as inflation and currency weakening in key markets, as demand for specific cuts has decreased due to price hikes, leading consumers to opt for other lower cost animal proteins. Despite logistical difficulties from China's Zero Covid policy, it is the world's largest buyer of US beef. Japan, the largest market, has seen a 4% decrease but a 8% increase in value, while shipments to South Korea have grown by 3%.