Russia and Lithuania remained the top two leading import markets of US leg quarters from 2006 to 2007 with Ukraine, China, and Iraq capturing increased shares of leg quarters, Cuba remaining unchanged, and the balance of destinations (Angola, Turkey, Mexico, and Guatemala) shifting lower in ranking. The largest volumes of total US leg quarter exports were seen in June, August, October, and November of 2007, whereas in 2006 higher export volumes were noted in March, May, July, and November. By country, increased volumes of export leg quarters were noted to Lithuania, Mexico, Turkey, and Ukraine in the first half of 2007, while exports to Angola, China, Cuba, and Russia were larger in the second half of 2007. Spikes in leg quarter exports to Guatemala and Iraq were more evenly distributed throughout 2007. In 2006, increases were noted in the first half of the year to Iraq, Lithuania, Turkey, and Ukraine, while exports were larger in the second half of 2006 to Angola, China, Cuba, and Russia; exports to Guatemala and Mexico were evenly distributed in 2006. Regarding value, the US received more for its leg quarters from Guatemala ($.44/pound) and the least from Cuba ($.37/pound) with 6 of the top 10 export de-stinations valued above the total US average of $.39/pound in 2007. In 2006, 7 of the 10 destinations were above the US average ($.28/pound) with the highest price paid for leg quarters by Turkey ($.31/pound) and the least by China ($.21/pound). Due to production cut backs in early 2007, values increased from 2006 as much as $.20/pound to China and as little as $.07/pound to Turkey; the US average rose $.11/pound and Russia jumped up $.12/pound from 2006 levels. Source: USDA FAS

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