August pork exports were lower than a year ago, primarily due to a sharp decline in shipments to Mexico compared to the large totals posted in August 2025, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom notes that U.S. pork exports totaled 222,243 mt in August, down 6% from a year ago, while value fell 12% to $606.3 million. Lower shipments to Mexico, where domestic pork production has rebounded and demand for hams has softened in recent months, are the reason for this decrease, he explains.
“Still a pretty big month for Mexico at almost $200 million, but definitely we’re seeing a little bit softer demand,” Halstrom says. “But if you look at the rest of the countries, there’s a few other themes that continue from past months.”
August pork exports trended higher than a year ago to Central America, Colombia and the Caribbean – growth markets where exports are on a record pace in 2026. He points to successful sales in August to Central America.
“That’s been a theme for probably the past year, up 18% in volume to almost $56 million,” Halstrom says.
Colombia also had a big month with sales up 34% at almost $38 million.
“Latin America continues to be one of the main themes on the pork side,” he adds.
For January through August, pork exports remained 1% higher than a year ago at 1.95 million mt, while value was steady at $5.47 billion. Compared to the record pace of 2024, exports were down 2% in volume and were 4% lower in value.
