May marks World Trade Month, a time to recognize the role global commerce plays in strengthening the U.S. economy. For America’s pork producers, international trade is more than a policy discussion in Washington, D.C. It is a core economic driver that contributes to the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture in a global marketplace.
Despite a tumultuous 12 months on the trade front, U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator Julie Callahan reassured pork producers during National Pork Industry Forum in March that the Trump administration will include “meaningful provisions to address the barriers to U.S. agricultural exports. Every single one [agreement] bar none will include agriculture.”
With more than one-quarter of U.S. pork sold to international customers, pork exports generate significant income for producers — approximately $66 per hog — and billions of dollars annually to the industry.
While the value of trade is widely recognized across agriculture, successful international partnerships don’t happen automatically.
Behind every export shipment is a complex framework of negotiations, agreements, and regulatory cooperations that allows U.S. pork to move across borders efficiently.
The National Pork Producers Council is central to the negotiations setting up these frameworks.
Trade agreements often involve detailed discussions about food safety standards, animal health regulations, and inspection systems. NPPC’s goal is twofold: secure or expand market access while preventing unnecessary regulations that could create costly barriers for U.S. producers.
In many cases, success isn’t just about what gets written into a trade agreement, but it’s also about what stays out, including requirements that could be detrimental to U.S. pork.
What’s changing under the Trump administration is the process and pace. What has historically taken years and spanned administrations to negotiate is now taking months. This underscores the importance of NPPC having a seat at the table where these negotiations are taking place, thanks to the years of forming and maintaining relationships across the U.S. and international governments.
When negotiations are successful, the benefits are substantial. Agreements are critical in removing longstanding barriers, opening doors for new opportunities, and helping maintain the U.S. pork industry’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe, high-quality pork.
As we celebrate World Trade Month, there is one important takeaway for producers: International engagement helps stabilize the U.S. pork industry.
Markets will always shift, and global conditions will change. But by maintaining strong trade relationships and continuing to advocate for fair access abroad, we can ensure that U.S. pork remains competitive and that producers have the market opportunities they need to be successful, now and for generations to come.
Shannon McMurtrey is the senior director of international affairs for the National Pork Producers Council.
