U.S. Pork Exports Showcase Strength in Varied Markets Despite September Declines
In September, U.S. pork exports experienced a slight decline compared to the previous year but maintained a robust pace, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Pork exports for September totaled 221,140 metric tons (mt), representing a decrease of less than 1% from the previous year. The export value also fell by 4% to $643.7 million. For the first three quarters of 2023, pork exports increased by 9% year-over-year to 2.13 million mt and rose by 7% in value to just under $6 billion.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom commented, "Pork exports achieving another $200 million month in Mexico is fantastic. But the good news doesn’t end there, as growth in regions such as Central America, the Caribbean, and Oceania helped offset lower shipments to China and Japan."
September pork shipments to Mexico remained strong, increasing by 17% to 89,042 mt. Export value increased by 18% to $207.6 million, marking the third-highest month on record. Through the first three quarters of 2023, exports to Mexico climbed by 13% from a year ago to 794,354 mt, valued at $1.68 billion. This included significant growth in pork variety exports, which surged by 31% in volume (117,945 mt) and 40% in value ($220.4 million).
Central America saw a 34% year-over-year increase in both volume (9,507 mt) and value ($29.6 million) of pork exports in September, led by robust growth in leading markets Honduras and Guatemala. Through September, exports to the region increased by 9% to 89,061 mt, while value jumped by 15% to $258.8 million.
Pork exports to the Dominican Republic in September increased by 3% from a year ago to 5,785 mt, with value up slightly to $17.4 million. Through the first three quarters of the year, exports to the DR climbed by 23% in volume (72,518 mt) and 29% in value ($198.7 million).
Other January through September results for U.S. pork exports include:
- Oceania saw an 80% increase in exports through September, reaching 57,615 mt, with export value climbing by 64% to $202 million.
- ASEAN region exports were 30% above last year at 52,471 mt, with value up by 7% to $124.4 million.
- Taiwan experienced a 184% increase in September pork exports, reaching 736 mt, with export value doubling to $2.1 million.
Pork variety meat exports in September reached 46,044 mt, down slightly from a year ago, while export value increased by 3% to $108.7 million. January through September variety meat exports established a record pace at 438,190 mt, up 15% from a year ago, with export value increasing by 13% to $1.03 billion.
In terms of export value per head, September pork exports equated to $61.94, down 1% from a year ago, while the January through September average was up by 5% to $63.16. Exports accounted for 28.1% of total September pork production and 24% for muscle cuts only, up from 27.4% and 23.2%, respectively, a year ago. The January through September ratios were 29.4% of total production (up from 27.1%) and 25.2% for muscle cuts (up from 23.5%).
Read More:
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