US March pork export value per head slaughtered soared to $70.85, up 12% from a year ago, the highest in nearly three years and the fifth highest on record, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

This pushed the first quarter average to $64.25, up 7%. Exports accounted for 32.2% of total March pork production and 27.9% for muscle cuts, up significantly from the year-ago ratios of 29.1% and 25%, respectively. 

First quarter exports accounted for 29.9% of total production and 25.8% for muscle cuts, up from 28.2% and 24.1%, respectively, a year ago.