US pork exports to Australia, New Zealand rise – USMEF
New trade adjustments in Malaysia open additional avenues for US pork.
USA – US pork exports to Australia and New Zealand continued to gain ground in April, with total shipments to Oceania reaching 8,950 metric tons, a 33% rise from the same month last year and generating US$31.1 million in value, according to new USDA data compiled by the US Meat Export Federation.
The region maintained strong momentum through the first four months of the year, as export volumes grew to 37,221 metric tons, more than double last year’s level, while export value increased by 103 percent to US$132.9 million.
The rebound in demand began building in the second quarter of 2023, which means the industry expects more modest year-on-year comparisons later in 2024 once it measures against the stronger performance recorded from April to December last year.
Malaysia promotion efforts
The April results followed reports last month of new efforts in Malaysia to introduce US pork to foodservice operators and retail buyers, with outreach activities directed at non-Muslim consumers who include pork in their diets.
As part of this push, the US Meat Export Federation joined forces with the World Master Chefs for Cantonese Cuisine to feature US pork in a Malaysian culinary competition for the first time.
Event organizers selected US pork shoulder butt as one of the contest proteins, and participating chefs received their assigned ingredients through random draws.
Out of the twenty-five chefs competing, three chose to work with US pork and ended the contest with two Distinction Gold awards and one Gold award.
A dedicated USMEF booth at the venue allowed chefs, judges and visiting culinary professionals to examine US pork products during the competition.
These promotional initiatives were supported financially by the National Pork Board and the USDA’s Market Access Program.
Tariff adjustments and trade access
The US Trade Representative also confirmed that the United States and Malaysia have finalised a reciprocal trade arrangement affecting pork shipments.
Malaysia will continue applying mostly zero tariffs, but the tariff on pork sausages will drop from 15% to 10% upon entry into force.
The agreement also removes the ten percent tariff on other types of sausages immediately, along with eliminating the ten percent tariff on additional processed pork products.
These changes are expected to streamline access for US exporters seeking to expand their presence in Malaysia’s developing pork market.
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