There was an elephant in the room during the Global Protein Update Pork Academy session at World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. When discussing exports, tariffs trailed the discussion like a shadow.
Dan Halstrom, president and CEO, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) explains in January 2025, Chinese tariffs on pork were 37%, which skyrocketed to 172% in April after “Liberation Day,” and eased back down to 57% in May.
While no one really knows how things will look moving forward, Halstrom is hopeful.
“There’s one important thing to remember. Back in 2020, during Trump’s first administration, there were quite a few things that happened in our part of agriculture that worked to our benefit from the China Phase One Agreement. Business between then and now was pretty good, increasing every year on pork. I think something will happen,” he says.
Global pork markets in better shape than we think
The rest of the export story in recent history remains bright. Last year was a record year in both pork volume and value globally. This year, through the first quarter at least, “we’re basically steady with last year’s record pace,” Halstrom says.
Pork export value per head has increased by 24% in the last five years. The value added to each hog from the export market is a record $66 per head.
While China is obviously on producers’ minds, they are not the biggest players in American pork exports.
“The goal of the industry — packers, traders, us as a trade association — is to diversify these markets as much as possible, not be relying on any one or two markets, particularly not relying on China,” he emphasizes.
Mexico gives the most export value per head, adding $19.90. Emerging markets, including Southeast Asia and Central America, are the fastest growing sector, accounting for $15.42 in value. Japan is next at $9.51, followed by China at $8.88, Canada at $6.28, and Korea at $5.83.
Developing relationships and access to American pork
Market growth is developed with strategic partnerships and hard work from USMEF’s global boots-on-the-ground team, including tactics like a Meat on Wheels truck, new U.S. processed pork snack products, promotions and giant industry events.
“These events connect buyers with U.S. pork suppliers. We put the buyer and seller together,” he says.
The results of these relationships are obvious in the record export volume and value.
The quality shared between our American sectors help, too. He says in some countries that already had a large beef demand have increased their pork consumption, and vice versa in pork-preferring countries.
Free trade agreements are also large players in growth. There has been enormous growth in regions with free trade agreements, like Korea and Central America. Zero or low duties and no non-tariff trade barriers are the key for successful export growth, Halstrom says.
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