Beef, pork, dairy export forecasts cut

Total U.S. exports of livestock, dairy and poultry products are projected to drop $300 million in fiscal 2019 to a total of $30.3 billion because of “weaker shipment values” of beef, pork and dairy products, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In a quarterly Situation and Outlook report released Wednesday, the agency cited retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, such as soybeans, beef, pork and dairy, as a catalyst for 2019 forecast declines.

Springdale-based Tyson Foods reported worse-thanexpected earnings in its most recent quarter because of trade uncertainty.

Beef and dairy estimates are both down $100 million and pork estimates dropped $300 million, the report shows. However, the USDA may adjust its pork forecast on news reports of China’s pork supply being threatened by a deadly African swine fever outbreak. Poultry export estimates rose $100 million on increased prices and volumes.

Overall U.S. agricultural exports are projected to be up $500 million in fiscal 2019, offset by higher exports of wheat and horticultural products. Grain and feed estimates are up $1.5 billion next year because of tighter supplies from major wheat exporters Australia and the European Union. Soybean exports are forecast to fall $800 million because of weakening demand from China.