U.S. pork exports show resilience despite dip in May figures, report shows

USA – In recent data released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), May witnessed a steady performance in pork exports, although numbers fell below last year’s benchmarks in both volume and value. 

Throughout the month, pork exports totaled 251,447 metric tons, marking a 4% decline compared to the same period last year, with a corresponding value of US$715.8 million, down by 2%. 

Despite this downturn, cumulative exports for the first five months of 2024 reflected a positive trajectory, increasing by 6% in volume to 1.29 million metric tons, and by 7% in value to US$3.6 billion compared to the previous year.

Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of USMEF, highlighted Mexico as a notable market despite a slight dip in May following record-high shipments in April. 

Pork exports to Mexico totaled 91,338 metric tons in May, a 6% decrease from last year, yet the export value saw a 2% increase, reaching US$201.9 million. 

The year-to-date exports to Mexico showed a robust growth of 7% in volume, totaling 480,193 metric tons, and a significant 14% increase in value amounting to US$1.02 billion.

South Korea also emerged as a strong market for U.S. pork, with exports increasing by 6% to 22,354 metric tons in May, and the value rising by 8% to US$78.9 million. 

From January to May, exports to Korea surged by 35% in volume and 40% in value compared to the previous year, driven by growing consumer demand for convenient pork products.

Central America and the Caribbean region witnessed an 11% increase in May pork exports, totaling 11,711 metric tons, and a 26% rise in export value amounting to US$37.8 million. 

Countries like Costa Rica saw a tripling of pork exports year-over-year, reflecting expanding market opportunities in the region.

Elsewhere, pork exports to Colombia surged by 55% in volume and 63% in value in May, underscoring a strong market growth trajectory. 

Additionally, exports to the ASEAN region jumped by 41% in volume, driven by increased shipments to countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

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