Total export volume reached 250.9 thousand tons, up 3% compared to the same period last year. Export value increased by 4% to $692.1 million, reflecting improved pricing and stronger overall market performance.
Mexico remained the largest importer of U.S. pork, with shipments rising by 3% to 107.9 thousand tons, while export value increased by 8%. However, analysts note that ongoing anti-dumping and subsidy investigations may introduce some uncertainty for future trade.
Significant growth was also recorded in Asia. Exports to Japan increased by 22%, confirming the strategic importance of this market. Shipments to South Korea also continued to grow in both volume and value, despite increasing competition.
Positive trends were observed in Latin America and the Caribbean as well. Exports to Colombia rose by 16%, while shipments to the Dominican Republic increased by 25%. Central America maintained stable demand.
Meanwhile, exports to China remained limited due to high tariffs and trade restrictions. Nevertheless, China continues to play an important role as a market for pork variety meats, which contribute significantly to export value.
On average, export value reached $62.07 per head slaughtered, up 6.5% year-on-year. Overall, exports accounted for 28.5% of total U.S. pork production, underlining their importance to the industry.
Analysts expect the positive trend to continue, although future performance will depend on trade policies, market access conditions, and geopolitical factors.
PigUA.info, based on thepigsite.com