In December 2025, the United States exported 257.8 thousand tonnes of pork — 3.5% less than a year earlier, but still the third-largest monthly volume of the year. Export value totaled $746 million (-3%), also the third-highest monthly result in 2025. Exports increased to Mexico, South Korea, Japan, the Caribbean, ASEAN countries and Taiwan, while shipments to China, Canada and parts of South America declined.
Overall, U.S. pork exports in 2025 reached 2.94 million tonnes — 3% below the 2024 record but still the third-highest total on record. In value terms, exports amounted to $8.4 billion, the second-best result ever recorded.
Mexico remained the key growth driver. In December, exports to the country rose by 7% to 113.8 thousand tonnes, while export value increased by 8% to $276 million. For the full year, exports to Mexico set a new record for the fifth consecutive year, totaling 1.236 million tonnes (+7%) worth $2.85 billion (+10%). Variety meat accounted for a significant share, exceeding 184 thousand tonnes.
Central America also posted record figures, with export volumes up 10% to 182.2 thousand tonnes and export value up 13% to $592.7 million. Over the past five years, exports to the region have increased by 84% in volume terms.
In the Caribbean, stronger demand — particularly from the Dominican Republic and Cuba — supported record results: December exports rose by 31%, while full-year shipments increased by 4% to 132.7 thousand tonnes.
Variety meat exports were another positive factor in 2025. In December, shipments rose by 9% to 49.8 thousand tonnes. However, for the full year, exports in this category declined slightly by 7%.
After a slow start to the year, exports to South Korea regained momentum in the second half, posting six consecutive months of year-on-year growth, although the annual figure still remained 4% below 2024 levels. Exports to Japan also declined, falling by 8% in volume.
Analysts are paying particular attention to Taiwan, where December shipments more than doubled following the announcement of a new reciprocal trade agreement aimed at reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Meanwhile, exports to China declined sharply: down 21% in volume (367.4 thousand tonnes) and 23% in value. The main reasons were tariff restrictions and weaker demand.
Experts note that despite challenges in several markets, export diversification and resilient demand across the Americas allowed the United States to maintain strong positions in the global pork market in 2025.
PigUA.info based on pig333.com materials