US veterinarians are essential to protecting the industry from foreign animal disease, preparing for the worst-case scenario and working every day to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Pork and edible variety meat exports in 2023 averaged a record of $63 for every hog harvested (Figure 1). This equates to 33% of the hog value, using pork cutout as the basis. Exports account for close to 30% of US pork and variety meat production, but on a cut-specific basis, exports are even more important. Mexico takes close to half the US hams and if the Mexican market went away, only half of the US swine inventory would be needed.
In addition to hams, picnics are also heavily exported, and butts are a key item for the top Asian markets as the US exports more end meats and a smaller share of the middle cuts that are popular in the domestic market (Figure 2). Variety meat exports are on a record pace and averaged nearly $11 per head in 2023, with China and Mexico as top customers (Figure 3). Top variety meat export items include feet and stomachs.
Countries like Brazil, South Africa and Australia restrict US pork due to PRRS. Germany, once the largest pork producer and exporter in Europe, has seen its production and exports plummet due in part to African swine fever (ASV) and subsequent market access restrictions. Brazil’s pork exports are limited due to their foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) status. China, the world’s largest producer, consumer and importer of pork, has had a massive impact on global markets due to its ASF-driven pork shortage followed by its rapid herd rebuild (Figure 4).