According to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), US pork exports to Mexico totaled 403,700 tonnes between January and April 2026, up 5% compared with the same period last year. Export value reached nearly US$900 million, putting shipments on track for a record annual result.
In April alone, exports to Mexico amounted to 94,500 tonnes, a 3% increase year-on-year. Export value rose by 7% to US$211.4 million.
Shipments of pork variety meats also increased. During the first four months of the year, exports of these products to Mexico reached 58,700 tonnes, up 6% from the previous year, with a value of US$104.3 million.
However, USMEF warned that May trade data may show a significant decline in the variety meat segment. The disruption followed Mexico’s decision to temporarily suspend imports of pork skins, fat, feet, and other offal products after antibodies to the pseudorabies virus (PRV) were detected in US hogs.
Initially, the restrictions applied regardless of the state of origin. However, as of June 8, they were narrowed to products sourced from hogs raised on farms in Iowa and Texas.
USMEF expects the restrictions to be lifted once a second round of testing is completed and the final report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Positive momentum was also observed in the Japanese market. In April, US pork exports to Japan increased by 9% year-on-year to 32,700 tonnes, valued at US$122.1 million.
For the January–April period, exports to Japan reached 123,500 tonnes, up 17% from the same period last year, while export value increased by 11% to US$467.9 million. According to USMEF, shipments to Japan have exceeded year-earlier levels for five consecutive months.
Strong growth was also recorded in the Dominican Republic. In April, US pork exports to the country surged by 57% to 11,600 tonnes. Export value reached US$33.7 million, marking the second-highest monthly result on record after the all-time high achieved in March 2026.
Overall, pork exports to the Dominican Republic totaled 41,600 tonnes during the first four months of the year, an increase of 38% compared with the same period in 2025. Export value rose by 35% to US$121.1 million.
Industry analysts note that steady demand for US pork in Mexico, Japan, and Caribbean markets remains one of the key factors supporting the sector’s export performance in 2026, despite individual veterinary and trade-related challenges.
PigUA.info, based on materials from thepigsite.com