September pork exports totaled 238,047 metric tons (mt), up 8% from a year ago, while value increased 6% to $685.1 million. Through the first three quarters of the year, pork exports were 5% above last year’s pace at 2.23 million mt, with value up 7% to $6.36 billion.
September pork exports to leading market Mexico totaled 91,492 mt, up 3% from a year ago, though value edged slightly lower to $206.6 million. Exports to Mexico remained on a record pace through September, climbing 7% in volume (850,204 mt) and 12% in value ($1.89 billion).
Led by outstanding growth in Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, and Nicaragua, September pork exports to Central America soared 36% above last year to 12,895 mt, valued at $41.9 million (up 42%). Exports to the region are also on a record pace in 2024, with shipments through September climbing 23% to 109,634 mt, with value up 33% to $344 million.
Robust growth in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore pushed September pork exports to the ASEAN region to 7,701 mt, up 83% from a year ago, while value climbed 82% to $16 million. Domestic production in the region continues to be impacted by African swine fever, driving strong demand for imports. U.S. pork is capturing market share previously held by European suppliers, although EU exports to the region have rebounded to some degree this year. Through September, U.S. exports to the ASEAN region increased 17% from a year ago to 61,320 mt, while value was up 8% to $134.2 million.
September was another excellent month for pork exports to Colombia, which are on a record pace in 2024. September shipments climbed 43% from a year ago to 10,924 mt, valued at $33.4 million (up 22%).
September pork exports to China/Hong Kong were the largest in 15 months at 41,405 mt, up 11% from a year ago, while value also increased 11% to $97.8 million. January-September exports to the region remained well below last year at 344,432 mt (down 11%), valued at $824.1 million (down 17%). Pork variety meat accounts for more than 70% of the export volume to China/Hong Kong, which is the largest destination for these products. Through September, pork variety meat exports to the region totaled nearly 240,000 mt, which was down only 5% from a year ago.
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