US January pork export trends modestly lower - USMEF
Pork exports totalled 243,965 mt in JanuaryUS pork exports were slightly below last January’s large totals, despite another outstanding performance in Mexico and Central America, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Pork exports totalled 243,965 mt in January, down 3% from a year ago, while value eased 2% to $668 million. Shipments soared to Central America and continued to trend higher to leading market Mexico. Exports also increased year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, but these results were offset by sharply lower shipments to Japan, Korea and Colombia.
“US pork is coming off a record-breaking year in 2024 and we see opportunities for continued growth this year,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Our Western Hemisphere markets are obviously critical to this success, so the White House pausing tariffs on some goods imported from Mexico and Canada is certainly encouraging news."
"Duty-free access to Mexico, Canada and other free trade agreement partners has definitely underpinned global demand for US red meat and delivered essential returns at every step of the supply chain," he continued. "The majority of US red meat exports are to countries with which we have trade agreements. Maintaining trust and access to these markets is critical to the continued success of the US industry."