
Oklahoma State extension specialist Derrell Peel reports US beef exports rose 21.5% in January–June 2021 over the same period of 2020, with China/Hong Kong growing fastest. Beef imports fell 3.7% over the same span.
Japan and South Korea remain the largest markets.
Strong export demand supports cattle values and beef production, which in turn supports feeder cattle demand for feed rations.
After 78 past bullish trade events, Live Cattle moved a median +0.1% over 5 sessions (51% higher; middle half -1.1% to +1.2%), and +0.5% over 20.
After 47 past bullish trade events, Feeder Cattle moved a median +0.2% over 5 sessions (53% higher; middle half -1.0% to +1.0%), and +1.5% over 20.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.