US pork exports to Mexico increase by 11% in first quarter

USA – US pork exports are maintaining an upward trajectory in 2024, with volumes increasing by 11% in the first quarter, according to data from the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Mexico remains the largest international buyer of US pork, having brought in US$2.6 billion (US$2.6 billion) worth of the product so far this year, setting a new record.

Gerardo Rodriguez, director of USMEF in Mexico, said that pork consumption in the country has increased by more than 50% over the last 15 years.

He attributed the sustained growth to consumer trust in the quality of pork and its increased visibility in the local market.

Rodriguez explained that when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was launched in the mid-1990s, pork in Mexico was largely viewed as a raw ingredient needing further preparation.

Today, that perception has shifted significantly, with pork now sold widely in supermarkets, served at high-end restaurants, and stocked in convenience stores.

This transformation in consumer habits has coincided with growing opportunities for exporters, but it has also drawn attention from new suppliers aiming to enter the Mexican market.

All eligible exporting countries currently benefit from zero-duty access to Mexico’s pork market, intensifying competition.

USMEF highlighted that maintaining this duty-free status for US pork remains critical for staying competitive in the region.

Rodriguez said the US accounts for over 85% of pork imports to Mexico, demonstrating how tightly linked the two countries are when it comes to pork trade.

He added that protecting this market relationship requires ensuring there are no trade disruptions or retaliatory actions that could restrict exports.

Looking Ahead

As demand continues to expand, industry players are closely watching how policy and competition could affect long-term access to key export destinations like Mexico.

Rodriguez emphasized that keeping trade channels open is a top concern, especially as other countries ramp up efforts to claim a share of Mexico’s growing pork market.

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