Exports of U.S. beef and pork enjoyed their best month of the year in June, rising both in volume and value over 2012 levels, according to statistics released last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Pork exports in June increased 2.4 percent in volume to 169,098 metric tons while edging a fraction higher in value to $469.7 million. Beef exports fared even better, rising 8 percent in volume to 101,720 metric tons and 21 percent in value to $562.3 million.

"There is no question that challenges persist, such as the continued closure of the...