U.S. Gains Opportunity to Export Some Pork Products to Nigeria
U.S. pork producers can now export sausage and similar products to Nigeria. On Jan. 12, the country located on the western coast of Africa, announced it is partially opening its market to U.S. pork.
“Nigeria has the largest GDP of any African country, with a population of just over 211 million, we are excited to be the first U.S. protein to be allowed access to the Nigerian market,” said NPPC President Jen Sorenson in a statement. “NPPC thanks the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their efforts to reach an agreement that allows the U.S. pork industry to provide affordable, wholesome and nutritious products to Nigerian consumers.”
While other U.S. pork products – and beef and poultry – remain ineligible to be exported to Nigeria, NPPC is optimistic that the country’s partial opening will lead to more access for the U.S. pork industry, the organization said.
In 2021, the U.S. pork industry (through November) exported more than $7.5 billion of product to more than 100 countries.
This news follows India's announcement on Jan. 10 to allow imports of U.S. pork and pork products. This is the first time India will allow U.S. pork into the country. The development comes after decades of negotiations between the two countries and the successful revitalization of the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum held in New Delhi last November.
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dal Halstrom says the pork export business is booming.
“I think it's safe to say I have never seen demand this good. And demand domestically is pretty good. So you add the two together – domestic demand and the international demand – that’s part of the reason we're seeing some of the prices we're seeing because demand is just so darn solid,” he said on AgriTalk on Jan. 11.
More from Farm Journal's PORK:
Access to India Sets Stage for Larger Trade Discussions, Pork Leaders Say
India’s 1.3 Billion People Hold Big Opportunity for U.S. Pork
