Mexico’s Pork Probe Puts Spotlight on Cross Border Demand and Disease Pressures

U.S. pork exporters collaborate with industry groups and trade officials as Mexico investigates alleged dumping and subsidies.

Mexico’s decision in December to open an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into imports of U.S. pork hams and shoulders has brought renewed attention to one of North America’s most economically important agricultural trade relationships.

According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the organization is actively assisting exporters in compiling data for Mexican authorities to show that market forces—particularly robust demand within Mexico—have driven importers to pay higher prices and secure larger volumes of U.S. pork.

USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror emphasizes that pork trade remains essential to both countries. Mexico continues to be the single largest destination for U.S. pork, importing more than 1.2 million metric tons in 2025 at an estimated value of $2.8 billion—historic highs for the industry. These volumes represent roughly 42% of total U.S. pork export shipments, underscoring how closely tied the two markets have become.

Beyond demand-driven imports, Mexico’s domestic pork industry has faced ongoing challenges from significant disease pressures. Producers have struggled with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), issues that have also affected pork-producing regions globally. These outbreaks have contributed to increased reliance on imported pork to stabilize supply and maintain consistent product availability for consumers.

The investigation marks a significant new phase in Mexico’s evolving meat import landscape. In mid-December, the country’s Ministry of Economy formalized the start of an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy review covering U.S. pork hams and shoulders, with the 2024 calendar year designated as the primary period of investigation and a broader economic impact analysis window spanning 2022 through 2024. The proceeding follows concerns raised by domestic producers regarding pricing and potential subsidy distortions.

Given the scale of U.S. pork exports and the potential implications of any imposed duties, industry groups are working quickly. USMEF is coordinating closely with the National Pork Producers Council and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to prepare comprehensive responses.

Borror notes that taking the investigation seriously is critical to avoiding punitive tariffs that could disrupt trade; a similar episode in 2018–2019 resulted in roughly $1 billion in losses for the U.S. industry when Mexico imposed retaliatory duties.

With filing deadlines approaching in early February, U.S. exporters are compiling data to demonstrate the absence of improper pricing practices and to highlight the essential role of U.S. pork in supporting both countries’ supply chains.

As the process continues, stakeholders across the pork sector will be closely watching the investigation’s next steps and any potential effects on North America’s integrated pork market.