November Pork and Beef Exports Below Year-Ago Levels; Lamb Trends Higher

Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China. Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest volume since July and highest value since May. 

Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons (mt) in November, down 7% from a year ago but the third largest of 2025. Exports...

Expana's Weekly Top 10: Key Developments in Weather, Trade, and Market Trends

This week on Expana, headlines brought together a dynamic mix of extreme weather, evolving trade disputes, and shifts across consumer and corporate landscapes. A major winter storm disrupted US infrastructure and supply chains, while new tariff threats reshaped trade flows in seafood, agriculture, and manufacturing. Together, these developments highlight growing pressures across food, commodities, and retail sectors worldwide. Below, Expana presents the top 10 stories influencing markets, trade, and consumer sentiment this week- In no particular order.

10. Winter Storm Grips Much...

Bachoco Completes Acquisition of Mexico’s RYC Alimentos 

Mexico’s Industrias Bachoco has completed the acquisition of privately held meat processor RYC Alimentos, expanding its footprint in value-added protein products, said the company. 

The deal gives Bachoco ownership of two processing plants in Puebla and around 21 retail outlets across Puebla, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Tlaxcala. Financial terms were not disclosed. 

Founded in 1983, RYC produces and sells beef, pork and chicken products and generates annual net sales of approximately $150 million. The company employs more than 900 people. Bachoco said the transaction was completed...

ANALYSIS: Saudi Disease Restrictions Accelerate EU Egg Market Adjustment

Saudi Arabia’s temporary suspension of poultry and egg imports from France and Poland, prompted by ongoing HPAI and Newcastle disease outbreaks, adds a further layer of disruption to an EU egg market already marked by elevated sanitary risks and fragmented trade flows. Although the immediate volume impact at the EU‑27 level remains limited relative to the 2020–2021 export peak, the suspension is highly significant in terms of trade concentration and risk pricing for key supplying member states.

Export data from the European Commission...

EC Creates Task Force to Strengthen Import Controls on Food and Feed Safety

The European Commission (EC), on January 26, 2026, launched a new Task Force aimed at reinforcing the European Union’s ability to ensure that imported food and feed products meet its safety standards while supporting jobs and growth among EU producers.

The EC said the initiative will focus on food and feed safety, pesticide residues, and coordinated monitoring of targeted imported goods.

Bringing together expertise from the EC and Member States, the Task Force will work to harmonize import controls, develop recommendations for joint actions

Zelensky Invites Businesses to Invest in Ukraine as 'End of War Documents' Nearly Ready

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today (January 22) Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that "the documents for ending this war" [Russia-Ukraine] are "nearly ready."

"Today's meeting [with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum a few hours earlier] was positive," he added. Zelensky also said the US team will go to Moscow today to continue peace talks.

Addressing business owners in the audience, Zelensky said: "Yes, there is a little risk right now

ANALYSIS: EU Layer Flock Downturn Signals Continued Sector Adjustment

EU layer flock data for October, 2025 indicate a noticeable reduction compared with the same month in 2024. Current numbers lie near the lower end of the post-pandemic range, showing that producers entered the final quarter of 2025 with a more cautious approach to production.

The decline in flock size reflects an adjustment to ongoing structural and regulatory factors shaping the sector. Continued emphasis on welfare and environmental compliance, alongside a cautious approach to biosecurity and production planning, led many producers to maintain stable and efficient operations rather than expand...

Trump Provides Global Overview and Thoughts on Greenland in Davos Address

Speaking at ​the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today (January 21), US President Donald Trump shared what he described as "phenomenal news" about his first year of his second term, boasting about the economic performance of the US since his re-election, calling it the "most dramatic turnaround" ever seen in American history.

Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for causing inflation and said that under his leadership grocery prices are now down.

Beyond the domestic economy Trump argued that the US is the

At Davos, Von der Leyen Hails "Mother of All Deals" with India

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Tuesday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that the European Union (EU) is nearing the conclusion of a free trade agreement with India.

While some details remain to be settled, she described the deal as “the mother of all deals,” highlighting that it would encompass a market of 2 billion people and represent nearly a quarter of global GDP, underscoring the EU’s goal to diversify its trade partnerships.

Navigating the Trump Tariff Turbulence: A Comprehensive Timeline

US President Donald Trump and his administration have paused reciprocal tariffs on most countries.

“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown... I am hereby raising the [tariff] charged to China by the [USA] to 125%, effective immediately,” wrote Trump on Truth Social at 1:18 pm ET. 

It’s not clear if this 125% is in addition to the 20% imposed on Chinese imports to the US. In early March, Trump noted that he would add another 10% tariff on Chinese goods...

Jersey Mike's Launches New Chapter of Growth with International Expansion into the UK and Ireland

Jersey Mike's Subs, a leading franchisor of over 3,200 fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, today announced it has signed a franchise agreement with JM Submarines UK LTD, led by Jersey Mike's founder and Chairman of the Board, Peter Cancro, to open 400 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Cancro founded Jersey Mike's more than 50 years ago and remains a significant shareholder following the Company's sale to Blackstone last year...

Top 10 Headlines on Expana in 2025—and What Could Shape the Next Year in Food and Ag

2025 was a big year for news in the food and agriculture industry. Headlines ranging from livestock diseases and sweeping policy changes to rising geopolitical tensions, shifting tariffs, weather events, and evolving consumer trends influenced commercial strategies, supply chains, and global market dynamics... 

Lamb Weston Shutters One Plant, Defers to New Production in Argentina; North American Sales Flat

As of January 8, Lamb Weston will close one potato processing facility in Munro to consolidate into its newest facility in Mar del Plata, Argentina, according to a press release from the group that supplies some of the world's largest fast-food chains. While the company realizes most of its profits in North America, officials say other markets like Argentina are growing quickly.

“These actions are part of our broader strategy to improve profitability and enhance operational efficiency across our global manufacturing network..."

Expana Announces CEO Transition as Julie Harris Appointed Chief Executive Officer

Expana, the world’s leading agrifood-focused Price Reporting Agency and market intelligence provider, today announced that Julie Harris has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective January 26, 2026. She will succeed Spencer Wicks, who has decided to retire after more than seven years of leadership.

Julie joins Expana with an extensive track record in the global data and analytics sector. Most recently CEO of IWSR, the beverage-alcohol data and insight provider, she led the company through major product expansion, platform modernization