China remains the largest destination for US pork variety meats, but exports have declined in the first months of 2026. This is according to data from the USDA, compiled by the US Meat Export Federation.
In January–February, total US pork exports to China fell by 12% year-on-year to 65,600 metric tons, while export value dropped by 23% to $138.5 million.
In the variety meat segment, which is traditionally key for the Chinese market, a negative trend was also observed. Export volumes totaled 47,200 metric tons, down 6% from a year earlier, while value declined by 21% to $97.8 million.
Experts attribute the downturn to retaliatory tariffs, large domestic supplies in China, and sluggish consumer demand.
Overall, despite remaining a major export destination, the Chinese market is becoming less dynamic for US suppliers, which may lead to a redistribution of global pork trade flows.
PigUA.info, based on materials from thepigsite.com