From January through July 2025, U.S. pork exports totaled 1.69 million metric tons, valued at $4.8 billion, which is 4% below last year’s record pace.
Key Markets
- Mexico remains the leading importer of U.S. pork. In July, shipments amounted to 92.5 thousand mt (–8% y/y), with a value of $228.4 million (–7% y/y). Despite the decline, this was the second-highest result of the year.
- Central America showed record demand: July exports rose 35% to 14.6 thousand mt, with value up 36% to $47.4 million.
- China, despite tariffs at 57%, maintained last year’s shipment levels at 36.5 thousand mt, though the value fell 13% to $77.6 million.
- Japan imported 26.6 thousand mt (+1% y/y), but value dropped 3% to $105.9 million due to a shift toward more frozen pork.
- Caribbean nations (including the Dominican Republic and Cuba) increased imports by 8% to 10 thousand mt, while value rose 3% to $30.3 million.
- ASEAN countries (notably the Philippines and Vietnam) imported nearly 10 thousand mt in July (+8% y/y). Shipments to the Philippines exceeded 7.3 thousand mt, the highest in over two years.
From January through July, exports to Canada fell by 17% in volume and 15% in value. However, the outlook improved after Canada lifted a 25% tariff on U.S. sausages, which had been in effect since March and significantly hurt trade.
Exports of pork variety meat in July increased 9% to 50.6 thousand mt, the second-largest volume of the year. The main markets were Mexico, China, ASEAN countries, Central America, and Japan.
Despite the slight overall decline, U.S. pork maintains a strong foothold in key markets. Geographic diversification, with growth in Central America and ASEAN, helps offset trade challenges with China and Canada. The sector expects continued demand growth for variety meats and stabilization of core product prices.
PigUA.info via pig333.com