USMEF President Dan Halstrom says advancing existing trade partnerships also key to successful export relations.

Emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa along with expansion of existing relationships in Mexico, Canada, Japan and China will create growth opportunities in 2024 for exports of U.S. beef and pork products.

Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), said U.S. export projections are trending higher this year as the country fortifies current agreements while diversifying and expanding into new markets across the globe.

Halstrom spoke to an attentive crowd Jan. 24 at the Iowa Pork Congress, noting that while it’s been a rough year for pork producers in particular, there is growth opportunity moving forward.

“No shortage of concerns or issues,” Halstrom admitted. “Plenty of headwinds, plenty of things to worry about. I know it’s a rough time today, but we’re well-positioned for the future. I don’t see any reason with...