“We saw a strong 2016 for US pork exports, but we still face challenges with increased global competition and a stronger US dollar,” said Becca Nepple, vice president of international marketing for the Pork Checkoff.

“The Checkoff is committed to bolstering its partnership with international customers through additional funding of in-country promotions of US pork with the US Meat Export Federation.”

On average, US pork and pork variety meat exports accounted for 25.8 per cent of total pork production in 2016. Export value returned an average $50.20 per head back to producers.

During 2016, more than 100 countries around the world imported US pork.

• The top five markets by volume were Mexico (1.61 billion pounds), China/Hong Kong (1.21 billion pounds), Japan (854.8 million pounds), Canada (452.2 million pounds) and Central and South America (299.7 million pounds).
• The top five markets by value were Japan ($1.56 billion), Mexico ($1.355 billion), China and Hong Kong ($1.075 billion), Canada ($798.5 million) and Korea ($365.1 million).

With more pork available in the US, the National Pork Board recently approved an increase of 12.7 per cent in funding for 2017 export market activities. This financial commitment translates into tangible marketing activities that increase US pork exports to emerging and developing markets.

According to Nepple, promotions and marketing activities will focus on displacing other proteins and global competitors and on promoting larger pork cuts.