U.S. Pork Exports Rise Mexico Leads Growth

Record Mexico demand lifts pork shipments while beef exports show steady recovery

U.S. pork exports continued to grow in October, mainly supported by strong and record demand from Mexico. Data released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation showed that pork exports reached 264,657 metric tons during the month. This level was five percent higher than last year and was the highest monthly volume recorded since March. The total value of pork exports also increased by seven percent, reaching more than $762 million. 

Mexico remained the largest and strongest market for U.S. pork. In addition to Mexico, shipments increased to several other regions, including Central America, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. Honduras and Guatemala also recorded their highest-ever pork imports for the month of October, showing rising interest in U.S. pork across international markets. 

From January to October, total U.S. pork exports reached 2.43 million metric tons. This figure was only slightly lower than the record pace set in the previous year. The total export value during this period stood at $6.93 billion. The small decline was mainly linked to reduced exports to China, where U.S. pork faces high trade duties that continue to limit market access. 

Beef exports also showed signs of improvement in October. Although shipments remained lower than last year, export volumes were the highest since June and improved compared to September. Beef exports reached more than 93,000 metric tons, while export value was close to $760 million. Increased shipments were recorded to Japan, Taiwan, Canada, parts of Southeast Asia, and the Dominican Republic. Colombia also showed a sharp rise in beef imports from the United States. 

“The latest export data confirm what I consistently hear from customers across the world and from our international staff – that global demand for U.S. red meat remains robust, despite tight supplies and formidable market access barriers,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.  

“Obviously, regaining access for U.S. beef in China is our most urgent priority, as industry losses from this lockout are enormous. But we are also hopeful that ongoing trade negotiations will remove barriers in other destinations where consumers have a growing appetite for high-quality red meat.” 

For the January to October period, total beef exports were lower than last year. However, exports to markets other than China showed only small declines, showing that demand for U.S. beef remains stable in many global regions. 

 Ongoing trade talks are expected to improve market access and support future growth in major international markets. 

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