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2.5 billion pounds of meat is piling up in the U.S. as exports slow down

Possible price cuts due to record amounts of meat
Posted at 7:59 AM, Jul 24, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-24 15:59:02-04

While most of the country is dealing with a heat wave this summer, there's another type of threat on the nation, which some are referring to it as a "meat wave." 

Some new numbers are showing that the U.S. has more than 2.5 billion lbs of meat in cold storage warehouses, and it's all because Americans aren't eating enough to keep up with supply.

Another reason is that the trade situation is chipping away at global demand.

The U.S. meat industry has been meat more reliant on exports in recent years, but Mexico and China — which are some of the largest foreign buyers of meat — have both set tariffs on pork products . The tariffs were in response to U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other products.

So, what does this mean for us consumers of all things meat?

This may lead to a drop in price at the grocery store or local meat market. Although, it could also mean less work and profit for farmers and manufacturers. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects the industry will produce a record 102.7 billion pounds of meat this year.