US pork export value sets annual record - USMEF
December pork exports climbed nearly 10%
16 February 2024
2 minute read
By: Led by a record-shattering performance in Mexico and broad-based growth in other markets, US pork exports set a value record in 2023, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
December pork exports climbed nearly 10% from a year ago to 268,399 metric tons (mt), the largest since May 2021 and the eighth largest on record. Export value increased 11% to $765.8 million, also the highest since May 2021 and the third highest on record. While December exports trended higher in many key markets, Mexico was once again the star performer, setting records for both volume (105,451 mt) and value ($233.8 million).
The strong December results pushed 2023 export value to a record $8.16 billion, up 6% from 2022. Export value per head slaughtered also set an annual record of nearly $64. Export volume was 2.91 million mt, up 8% year-over-year and the third largest on record.
“2023 saw tremendous growth in global demand for U.S. pork, and it came at a time when the US industry needed it most,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The expansion of US pork’s presence in Mexico has been remarkable but the great news certainly doesn’t end there. We are very encouraged by the robust demand we’ve seen throughout the Western Hemisphere and in a number of Asia-Pacific markets as well.”
