Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Agribusiness Economics
Advisor
Dr. Kishore Joseph
Abstract
This study analyzed the effect of COVID-19 on U.S. beef exports to South Korea, Japan, China, Mexico, and Canada between June 2017 and July 2023. After accounting for potential factors influencing exports, the study finds that the pandemic’s impact was different in both magnitude and persistence among major trading partners. The drop in exports to Japan and Mexico were notable during the pandemic. The decline in exports began early in the year for Mexico and in March for South Korea. Exports to Canada on the other hand both increased and decreased during this period. Exports to China followed a different pattern and increased during the first six months of the pandemic. Exports to all major export markets recovered as the effects of the pandemic eased by the end of May and fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. Post-pandemic export volumes have been steady in all major markets amidst the seasonal fluctuations except for Mexico. A confluence of factors including the per capita GDP of the importing country, the exchange rate, trade agreements, time trend, and seasonality influenced U.S. beef exports during the study period. In conclusion, the study reveals the complexity of bilateral trade and importance of accounting for other confounding influences when measuring the impact of the pandemic on U.S. beef exports.