The US exported 442,200 tonnes of fresh/frozen pork during the first quarter of 2017, which was 19% more than the same period last year.
With US pig production rising over the same time frame, the rise in shipments may not have come as a surprise. Likewise, the value of US exports during the first quarter increased by 24% on the year, to $1.14 billion.Mexico remained the largest destination for US pork in the first quarter of 2017, with volumes shipped increasing by 37% year on year, to 160,800 tonnes. Growth was also recorded in shipments to Japan (+7% year on year) and South Korea (+32% year on year), with volumes totalling 95,200 tonnes and 47,600 tonnes respectively. On the other hand exports to the US’ fourth largest destination, China, fell 14% on the year, to 35,600 tonnes from January-March.
US pork exports January-March|
|
2016 |
2017 |
Change, % |
|
000 tonnes |
|||
|
Total fresh/frozen pork |
371,9 |
442,2 |
+18,9 |
|
of which: |
|
|
|
|
Mexico |
117,8 |
160,8 |
+36,5 |
|
Japan |
89,0 |
95,2 |
+6,9 |
|
South Korea |
36,1 |
47,6 |
+31,8 |
|
China |
41,6 |
35,6 |
-14,3 |
|
Kanada |
20,6 |
25,5 |
+23,4 |
Sourse: US Department of Commerce, IHS Maritime & Trade — Global Trade Atlas
With US pig meat production currently forecast to rise by 5% on the year in 2017 by the USDA, it is likely that its export campaign will remain strong for the rest of the year. Obviously this is dependent on a number of factors, but if the current pace continues, the US are likely to outstrip its current pig meat export forecast of 8% growth. Nevertheless, the US are expected to face stiff competition from the EU this year into Asian markets, especially China. PigUA.info adopted from AHDB.Pork