March pork exports were among the largest on record, capping a powerhouse first quarter.
According to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), pork exports totaled 285,567 metric tons (mt) in March, up 6% from a year ago, the largest in five years and the third largest on record. Export value increased 4% to $803.2 million, the second highest on record, trailing only April 2021.
March exports increased year-over-year to leading market Mexico, as well as to Japan, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Taiwan. Shipments were steady to South Korea and Canada. USMEF says March was an outstanding month for export value per head slaughtered, which was the third highest on record at $72.93.
Through the first quarter, pork exports were 3% above last year’s pace in both volume (778,939 mt) and value ($2.17 billion). Exports are on a record pace to Mexico and Central America.
“The sustained momentum for U.S. pork exports is impressive in the Western Hemisphere, but it is also encouraging to see demand climbing in key Asian markets, led by a welcome rebound in Japan,” USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says in a release.
What This Means for Pork Producers
March pork export value equated to $72.93 per head slaughtered, down slightly from a year ago but the third highest on record, USMEF reports. The first-quarter average was $67.41 per head, up 2% year-over-year. Exports accounted for 33.1% of total March pork production and 28.8% for muscle cuts, roughly steady with the robust ratios posted in March 2025. First-quarter ratios were 30.7% and 26.8%, respectively – each up slightly from a year ago.
Monster First Quarter for Pork
March pork exports to leading market Mexico reached 103,808 mt, up 7% from a year ago, while export value also climbed 7% to $228.6 million, USMEF reports. This pushed first-quarter exports to 309,137 mt, up 5% from last year’s record pace, valued at $688.1 million (up 8%).
“Mexico is a critical market for U.S. pork, especially bone-in hams and variety meat, and preserving market access is essential,” USMEF says. “This makes the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement a top industry priority, as well as Mexico’s antidumping investigation on U.S. hams and pork shoulders.”
Steady exports to Honduras and growing demand in Costa Rica and El Salvador caused March pork exports to Central America to reach 17,495 mt, up 6% year-over-year, valued at $58.1 million (up 12%). First-quarter exports to the region increased 7% from a year ago to 48,920 mt, while value climbed 12% to $158.7 million.
“After a slight volume decline in 2025, pork shipments to the Dominican Republic have raced to a rapid start this year,” USMEF says. “March exports soared 50% above last year, setting a value record of $35.8 million, while volume was the second largest on record at 12,478 mt. January-March exports totaled 29,984 mt, up 31% from a year ago, valued at $87.4 million (up 29%).”
Although pork exports to Japan declined last year, they have rebounded in 2026. March exports totaled 35,448 mt, up 18% from a year ago and the highest since 2021, while value increased 13% to $134.3 million, USMEF reports. First-quarter exports climbed 20% to 90,776 mt, valued at $345.8 million (up 13%).
Other first-quarter export results for U.S. pork include:
KOREA
March pork exports to Korea were essentially steady with last year, declining 1% in volume (23,563 mt) but increasing slightly in value ($77.8 million). First-quarter exports to Korea increased 2% to 59,108 mt, valued at $196.3 million (up 5%).
ASEAN
Fueled by strong growth in the Philippines (where exports were the largest in eight months at 7,215 mt) and record-large shipments to Indonesia (440 mt), March pork exports to the ASEAN region reached 8,239 mt, up 41% from a year ago, valued at $18.8 million (up 32%). Through March, exports to the region increased 19% to 18,042 mt, while value was up 16% to $42.4 million. In addition to the Philippines and Indonesia, shipments also increased to Malaysia.
TAIWAN
U.S. pork has faced numerous obstacles in Taiwan in recent years, but is regaining some traction in 2026. First-quarter exports more than doubled from a year ago in volume (3,585 mt, up 115% and the largest since 2019, while value increased 87% to $8.5 million.
CHINA
In China, where U.S. pork is subject to retaliatory duties and domestic supplies have surged, first-quarter exports declined 9% from a year ago to 104,779 mt, while value fell 20% to $222.9 million. China remains the largest destination for pork variety meat exports, which account for more than 70% of total shipments to China.
