Imports and Exports

Why U.S. Pork Exports to Mexico Remain Resilient Despite Pseudorabies Hurdle

Thu, 14 May 2026 21:58:39 GMT

Mexico is the U.S. pork industry’s $2-billion customer, but a recent isolated pseudorabies confirmation has put a portion of that trade on temporary hold, specifically high-value variety meats.

While the border remains open for U.S. pork muscle cuts , which make up most of the export volume to Mexico, pork byproducts (skins) and offal/viscera have been unable to clear due to Mexico’s precautionary restrictions.

“As a producer, I understand the science behind why we don’t need to be concerned about this incident,” says Katie Brown, an Illinois pig farmer and president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Brown recently returned from the U.S. Red Meat Symposium in Mexico along with Andy Tauer, National Pork Board vice president of international market development.

The relationship between the U.S. pork industry and the Mexican consumer is strong, Tauer points out.

“They have confidence in U.S. Pork,” he says. “That’s demonstrated every time we go down to Mexico. They value its versatility, consistency and flavor. Yes, we are having a small challenge right now in getting our variety meats across the Mexican border, but that’s where we lean on relationships with the National Pork Producers Council to help us navigate through this.”

(John Herath )

He believes the industry will work through this in “relatively short order” thanks to rigorous traceback and surveillance, in addition to interagency cooperation.

“Pseudorabies is not a human health risk,” Tauer emphasizes. “The U.S. pork supply is safe. With NPPC and USMEF having those important conversations, I think we will see the value of their strong relationship with the pork industry and red meat trade.”

Why Variety Meats Matter: The Whole Hog Value

The current restriction on variety meats is significant because these products that are often undervalued in the U.S., are high-demand delicacies in Mexico that drive the overall value of every pig raised in the U.S. by an additional $2.53 per pig.

“Mexico is a market where the whole hog has value,” Tauer says. “Our partnership with U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) allows us to really dig deep into the marketplace to connect various retailers and consumers with the individual parts and pieces of the pork carcass that they’re really interested in.”

(John Herath )

During a visit to Mexican wet markets, Brown saw firsthand the demand for all parts of the pig. As a producer, she admits that this gives her an even greater sense of fulfillment knowing that the entire pig is being utilized to feed people. It also adds more value to the work she does day in and day out as a producer.

“I remember walking by a box of uteruses and thinking, “Wow. I don’t think those would sell well at our grocery stores,’” she says. “But, that’s one of the things they’ve requested – to send more uteruses and brains as often as we can.”

Of course, Brown’s inquisitive mind didn’t let it stop at that. She began asking them how they use those products and learned more than she expected.

“Understanding how they cook and use these products in their daily life was definitely eye-opening,” Brown says. “I may not start feeding my family uteruses and brains, but if I can send those products off to a market like Mexico, where it adds value to their life, why not? It’s a win- win situation for both of us.”

A Market with Upside Opportunity

Mexico serves as the leading export market for U.S. pork, with hams leading the pack. Despite how strong the market is now in Mexico, the long-term outlook is even stronger. Per capita pork consumption continues expanding in Mexico, growing an estimated 40% between 2010 and 2024.

“I’m a very numbers-based person,” Brown says. “One of the most impactful moments for me was when they started sharing statistics around pork consumption in Mexico. They love pork, but only about 12% is consumed in the household. That is mind-blowing to me.”

She is excited about how the U.S. pork industry is focused on shifting consumer habits from this 88% out-of-home consumption to more at-home meals.

(John Herath )

“There’s so much opportunity to help expand that,” Brown says. “The majority of the time, they consume pork at a celebration, at restaurants or at food vendors over a lunch break. So, what can we do to help them bring more pork home to cook? Is it about making smaller packaging for a couple of people? Do we need to make it more convenient and an easier eating experience?”

Tauer highlighted how USMEF is using QR codes on packaging to provide recipes. The click-throughs on those recipes have been tremendous and are teaching other ways to prepare dishes using pork as an ingredient, which is very popular in Mexico.

“It was exciting to see the volume of Weber grills and Big Green Eggs as we went through a couple of different retail stores,” Tauer says. “American-style barbecue is really starting to catch on there as well. As income continues to increase for the middle class in Mexico, they will continue to have more opportunity to eat pork more on a daily basis. Education around ways to do that is critical.”

In an export market that is already “so good,” the opportunity for growth is huge, Brown adds.

From Barn to Border

Mexico has been “a shining star” in terms of overall demand for the pork product U.S. pig farmers raise on a daily basis, Tauer says.

“Although we talk a lot about selling more pork, trips like these are really about building long-term demand in Mexico,” he says. “It’s about protecting that market share and bringing that value back home to our U.S. producers. This ultimately drives rural communities across this country and helps the next generation stay on the farm. It’s all connected.”

(John Herath )

For Brown, traveling to Mexico provided a bridge between her daily work in Illinois and the global reach of her product. Seeing familiar brands in a foreign context reinforced the scale of the industry.

“To understand the impact we have as farmers, not just in our neighborhood and in our nation, but in other countries, was powerful,” she says. “We need to think on a more global perspective, rather than only about what’s happening on our farms.”

Record Pace: Mexico Market Drives Strong Q1 for U.S. Pork

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:45:50 GMT

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.

Mexico Keeps Border Open to U.S. Pork Muscle Cuts Amid PRV Detections

Thu, 07 May 2026 20:19:41 GMT

Despite conflicting reports in the media, Mexico has not closed its border to U.S. pork exports following the confirmation of pseudorabies (PRV) in Iowa and Texas . While trade continues for major categories, certain precautionary restrictions have emerged for specific products.

The Source of the Detection

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed the presence of PRV antibodies in a small commercial swine facility in Iowa on April 30. Because PRV is a reportable disease, the USDA followed standard protocol by notifying international trading partners immediately.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig emphasized the speed of the response during a May 1 press conference. “There is always a potential for trade disruption, which is why we moved so swiftly,” Naig said. “We anticipate minimal, if any, short-term trade disruptions.”

Current Trade Status: Muscle Cuts vs. Byproducts

Engagement between animal health authorities in Mexico and the U.S. remains ongoing. Joe Schuele, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) senior vice president of communications, clarified that while the border remains open for U.S. pork muscle cuts, which make up most of the export volume to Mexico, exporters are facing hurdles for some other pork products.

“USMEF cannot speculate about the market access situation going forward,” Schuele says. “But we know that since Monday morning (May 4), U.S. exporters have had loads of certain products unable to clear into Mexico. Importantly, the restrictions do not impact pork muscle cuts. However, pork byproducts (skins) and offal/viscera have been unable to clear due to Mexico’s precautionary restrictions.”

Looking Ahead

USMEF remains optimistic that further guidance from the USDA is imminent and expects Mexico to act in alignment with World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines.

“We continue to monitor the situation for further updates,” USMEF stated.

Safety Assurance

Industry experts remind the public that PRV is not a food safety concern and poses no risk to human health. The U.S. pork supply remains safe, secure, and subject to rigorous inspection standards.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Why International Trade is Vital for U.S. Pork Producers

Mon, 04 May 2026 19:01:16 GMT

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.

The New Ag Economy: Why This Downturn is a Structural Shift, Not Just a Cycle

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:22:17 GMT

What You Need to Know:

Structural Evolution: This downturn is a permanent market shift, not just a temporary cycle.
Friend-Shoring: Trade is moving toward geopolitical allies to ensure supply chain resilience.
Aggressive Cost-Cutting: Farmers are doubling generic input use and delaying machinery purchases to protect margins.
Financial Resilience: Better management and working capital make today far more stable than the 1980s.
Premium Protein Demand: GLP-1 medications are driving consumers toward smaller, higher-quality meat portions

As the industry enters the third year of this downturn, farmers and agribusinesses are questioning if a recovery is on the two-year horizon. While cyclical behavior is normal, two economists suggest the structural evolution within crop protection, machinery, technology, livestock and other individual sectors is creating a different kind of staying power for those who survive the recovery.

The Evolution of the Cycle

When characterizing the current economic cycle in agriculture, historical patterns provide a necessary baseline, yet the present landscape is defined by unique pressures. Typical agricultural cycles consist of roughly six years of expansion followed by four years of decline. Currently, the market is navigating a “corrective period,” returning to long-run averages.

The drivers of growth are typically demand shocks — export surges, fuel demand or policy shifts such as the Renewable Fuel Standard. However, Wes Davis, ag economist at Meridian Ag Advisors, notes the current environment is an intersection of traditional contraction and sector-specific evolution.

“What I think we’re experiencing right now is that typical cycle behavior where we see growth in some business firms, and then some contraction and pullback to adjust to the cycle going back to more of the long-run average,” Davis explains. “I think we’re also seeing evolution of individual sectors within the market where there’s adjustments happening because of the industry itself.”

In other words, this isn’t just a cycle — it’s also a structural shift.

Change Fatigue and Modern Volatility

Farmers aren’t strangers to volatility, but global trade disruptions, policy shifts and rising competition, especially from Brazil, are layering uncertainty onto already volatile markets.
Farmers are grappling with “change fatigue,” a byproduct of the high velocity of information and extreme price swings that dwarf the relative stability of the early 2000s.

“When I go talk to any industry group right now, the phrase that I hear is ‘change fatigue’, and I feel that. Every couple minutes, something shifts,” says Trey Malone, Purdue University ag econ professor. “But to be clear, it’s not that the farm economy isn’t used to volatility, it’s just the uncertainty and the volatility now is, like, ‘hold my beer relative’ to the old volatility.”

Malone attributes this to layers of uncertainty created by global trade and policy. The rise of Brazilian production, coinciding with the disruption of U.S.-China trade relations, has created a permanent state of flux. This sentiment is reflected in the Purdue Ag Economy Barometer, which shares a higher correlation with the Small Business Index (.5) than with actual commodity prices. This suggests farmers view themselves primarily as small business owners facing broad economic pressures rather than just price-takers.

“We don’t see very strong correlations even with lagged soybean prices and corn prices,” Malone notes. “The world is more complicated than just looking at what happened in the market yesterday and gauging how farmers feel.”

Global Competitiveness and the Trade Reallocation

A primary concern for U.S. producers is their position as low-cost providers. While the U.S. maintains an infrastructure advantage that lowers the cost of getting products to export ports, Brazil continues to close the gap.

“It’s a fair question farmers ask a lot: Are we actually the ones who are the low-cost producers, and do we still have a place in the global market if Brazil continues to lower the cost of production and transport their grain to export terminals?” Davis asks.

However, Davis points out that global trade hasn’t shut off; it has reallocated. Only three global regions — North America, Latin America and parts of Southeastern Europe/Central Asia — are net exporters. The rest of the world remains net importers.

“While our trade has kind of shifted around ... that shift has really reallocated stuff in different places. Those calories and products end up going somewhere. It’s just a question of where,” he says.

The Shift to “Friend-Shoring” and Resilient Supply Chains

The industry is moving from “just-in-time” (hyper-lean) procurement to “just-in-case” (inventory-heavy) strategies, a lesson reinforced by the pandemic. This shift is accompanied by “friend-shoring,” where the U.S. prioritizes trade with geopolitical allies.

“We’ve gone from offshoring to onshoring to nearshoring to friendshoring,” Malone explains. “We’ve got a paper that’ll be coming out ... where we document friend-shoring in ag and food supply chains. Over the last 10 years, there’s been a shift where we mostly in the U.S. trade with other people who vote like us in the WTO. That’s kind of one way to measure friends.”

This resilience is also visible in crop protection. In 2019, 80% of active ingredients were sourced from China. Today, that is closer to 60%, with manufacturing shifting to India and domestic sites. Davis calls these “geopolitically resilient” supply chains.

The Rise of Generics and Decision Paralysis

The economic downturn is fundamentally changing the business model for input providers. Farmers are aggressively cutting costs, leading to a massive surge in generic usage.

“The latest survey I saw shows about 60% of farmers use generics today. That was about 30% to 40% just 5 years ago,” Davis says. This forces companies to pivot from differentiation to operational volume.

In the machinery sector, high costs and economic uncertainty have led to “decision paralysis.” Farmers are extending the life of their equipment, treating machinery replacement as the most controllable variable in managing annual ROI. Davis notes the U.S. ag equipment cycle is currently 15 to 20 percentage points lower than typical low points, driven by this hesitation. Furthermore, there is significant skepticism toward subscription-based technology models.

“Farmers don’t terribly love this idea, and I think the other interesting thought here is I’m not sure that retailers like selling them either,” Malone adds.

AI: The “Undergraduate Intern”

While artificial intelligence (AI) is a major talking point, its current role in agriculture is more supportive than transformative. Malone views AI as a “highly capable undergraduate intern” — useful for processing information but incapable of replacing the trust and risk management provided by human advisors.

“I don’t think you need to be replacing your agronomist. I think your mediocre agronomist just got OK,” Malone says, noting while LLMs can pass CCA exams, they cannot manage the risk of a wrong decision. “The risk management value proposition of an in-person Claude, or whoever, is probably going to win out because there’s still a risk.”

Currently, the adoption gap is wide: While 75% of agribusiness managers see potential in AI, only 4% have implemented it, according to a Purdue University survey in 2025.

Livestock and the GLP-1 Impact

The livestock sector is facing a unique demand shift driven by weight-loss medications (GLP-1s). This is leading to “premiumization.” As consumers eat smaller portions, they are opting for higher-quality cuts.

“The explosion in demand for protein is just shocking,” Malone says. “What GLP-1s do to that calorie count is they are all shifting toward premium cuts. You don’t care how much it costs because you’re only going to have seven bites of it. But you’re going to have a steak. That premiumization is going to really, really take off in the next 10 years.”

Conversely, the hype surrounding “fake meat” has largely faded, proving to be more of an investor-led phenomenon than a market-driven one.

Financial Stability: Not the 1980s

Despite the downturn, the financial health of the American farmer remains more stable than during the crisis of the 1980s. Currently, 10% to 12% of farmers are in a “tight” financial position , compared to 20% to 30% in the 80s.

“We do have a completely different, more professional ag workforce than we did back then,” Malone says. “The farm policy we have right now does not necessarily match what we need for the future, but all of these things make me think we’re in a much more stable position.”

Farmers have built-in “shock absorbers,” Davis adds, including off-farm income and working capital built up during the expansion years. However, in his research Davis has seen how alternative financing is becoming a major tool for the 50% of farmers who use it — either to manage stress or, for larger operations, to leverage relationships with retailers.

Strategic Reassessment: Winning at the Bottom

The experts agree the “bottom of the cycle” is the time for professionalization and upskilling. Surviving — and thriving — will require sharper management. It is an opportunity to reassess farm transitions and management disciplines, such as financial management, accounting and planning, which become critical in tight margins.

“Farmers are going to have to get smarter and get more creative with how they manage,” Malone says. “This is a good opportunity to take a step back and think about what the strategy needs to be moving forward.”

Davis emphasizes relationships are solidified during these periods: “Farmers are going to remember the folks who were around when they were in the bottom of the cycle, and who were there to support them. The best farmers will continue to get better ... I get excited about what we can look like as we come out of this cycle.”

So Is This Ag Cycle Different?

These experts say yes as every cycle presents its own unique reshaping of future opportunities.

To download the full report on why this ag cycle is different and what it means for your operation, click here .

U.S. Pork Exports Rise in 2026 as Beef Trends Lower in February

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:29:44 GMT

Pork exports are off to a good start in 2026. The February export data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), shows U.S. pork is slightly higher year-over-year. Meanwhile, beef exports trended lower, due in large part to continued lack of access to China.

“While leading market Mexico posted another excellent performance in February, shipments to Japan increased significantly from last year’s low total and exports also trended higher year-over-year to South Korea, Central America, the Dominican Republic and Taiwan,” USMEF reports.

Pork is above pace

In February, the contribution value per head of pork exports was $67 a head, the highest level in quite a while, USMEF adds. The total pork export value came in at $678.8 million.

For January through February, U.S. pork exports were 2% above last year’s pace in both volume at 493,372 metric tons and value at $1.37 billion. Export value is slightly ahead of the record pace established in 2024, USMEF notes.

Pork exports build momentum in Latin America and Japan

“Volume was up slightly from a year ago at 242,511 metric tons, up 1% and the value is also up 1%,” says USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom.

Two things stood out to Halstrom in the pork report.

Latin America continues to perform.
Mexico had a $221-million month with continued growth off of last year’s record, up 4% for the month on volume and up 9% on value. Central America was up, too, he points out.
Japan experiences renewed momentum.
The U.S. exported 28,000 metric tons of pork to Japan in February, which was up 20% from last year. Although Halstrom says this was a bit low, it is still an increase from 2025. U.S. pork export value was up 14%.

It’s time to demonstrate U.S. pork’s advantages in Japan

“It is gratifying to see demand for U.S. pork continue to expand in our Western Hemisphere markets,” Halstrom points out. “But the rebound in Japan really stands out to me, given the strong economic headwinds and intense competition in this important market. To build on this recent momentum in Japan, it is critical that we continue to differentiate U.S. pork and demonstrate its advantages to Japanese importers and consumers.”

U.S. beef variety meats shine bright

February beef exports totaled 85,066 metric tons, down 13% from last year, while value fell 10% to $722.7 million. USMEF says much of this gap was due to China’s lockout of U.S. beef, though February shipments were also below last year to Korea, Japan and Canada. Exports increased year-over-year to Mexico, Taiwan, the Caribbean and South America, while demand was steady in the Middle East and Central America. Excluding China, February exports were 4% higher in value and just 1% below last year’s volume.

The February totals included 24,081 metric tons of beef variety meat, up 12% from a year ago, while the value of these shipments soared 40% to $106 million.

Through the first two months of 2026, beef and beef variety meat exports were 12% below last year’s pace in volume at 177,624 metric tons and 6% lower in value at $1.5 billion. Excluding China from these results, exports increased 2% to 175,915 metric tons, while value was 10% higher at $1.49 billion.

January-February exports of beef variety meat increased 9% from a year ago to 51,592 metric tons, while export value climbed 43% to $232 million.

The Next Guatemala? USMEF Sees Massive Upside for U.S. Beef and Pork in Ecuador

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:22:32 GMT

Ecuador recently became the ninth country to sign an agreement on reciprocal trade with the U.S. And while it will take some time to implement, once in place, the deal will greatly expand opportunities for U.S. beef and pork in Ecuador, according to U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President for Economic Analysis Erin Borror.

Tariffs of 20% on beef and 45% on pork are mostly phased out, although there are exceptions on pork.
A 30% tariff on processed pork products which will remain in place.
The agreement recognizes all USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspected facilities as eligible for export to Ecuador, removing the need for individual facility approvals.

“The tariff on beef is basically 20% and that’s phased to zero in the agreement over three years,” Borror explains. “For pork, tariffs of 45% are mostly phased out. There are some exceptions on further processed products and sausages that will see tariffs remain at 30%.”

Borror says one of the key wins in these reciprocal trade agreements is getting countries to recognize FSIS, the U.S. food safety authority, as the competent authority.

“They will recognize all FSIS-inspected facilities as eligible to export, rather than going through onerous questionnaires, plant-by-plant audits and maintaining plant lists which have gotten to be unmanageable,” she says.

Borror expects export growth to be similar to what was seen in Guatemala after passage of the Central America Free Trade Agreement.

“Both of those countries have a population of close to 18 million people,” she says. “Their GDP per capita is somewhere close to $7,000, so very similar. And if we take Guatemala, U.S. beef export growth from 2006 to 2025, saw growth from $3 million to $105 million. For pork, the market went from $10 million to $148 million.”

In 2025, the U.S. exported virtually no pork to Ecuador and only $3 million in beef. She says there is great potential in Ecuador.

Pork in the Crosshairs: NPPC Responds as Mexico Launches Double Trade Case Against U.S.

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:51:53 GMT

The relationship between the U.S. and Mexican pork industries is facing its most significant test in years. According to Maria Zieba, vice president of government affairs at the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the Mexican market is unlike any other—and it is currently under threat.

In 2024, exports to Mexico were over $2.6 billion. In addition, Mexico’s geography creates the possibility of land exports, which is a unique export market condition for the U.S. pork industry. Mexico is a major consumer of pork, and the U.S. pork industry has decades-long partnerships with buyers there to satisfy demand for high quality, readily available pork products.

The Allegations: Dumping and Subsidies

The Mexican government accepted two petitions from the Mexican pork industry in December 2025. Mexico then initiated two cases on U.S. pork in December. The first case alleges that the U.S. was dumping product (selling below fair value) during a three-year time period (2022-2024) into Mexico on hams and shoulders specifically.

The second case alleges that the federal government and five state governments (Indiana, North Carolina, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota) gave subsidies to grain producers and pork producers and processors. They claim this created an unfair advantage to the U.S. because producers may have received funds from the federal government and packers may have received some benefits to modernize a packing plant, which went on to lower the price of U.S. pork hams and shoulders exported to Mexico.

“We are compiling all the evidence to show that’s not what happened,” Zieba says. “The Mexican government will receive all of these responses we gather, and from there, they will review the responses and figure out whether there was harm done to their domestic industry on both the cases.”

If Mexico reaches an adverse determination, they could start putting tariffs on U.S. hams and shoulders.

A Bull’s Eye on U.S. Agriculture

It is unfortunate, Zieba says. The U.S.-Mexico market is highly integrated and shares several common interests such as animal health.

“It’s important that we come together and push back on these cases, not only from the industry side, but from the broader context of the U.S. government,” Zieba says. “If we don’t push back, then there’s a possibility that other countries will attempt to do these things not only to our industry, but also to other agricultural industries.”

She says it’s almost natural for foreign trading partners to put a bull’s eye on agriculture because the U.S. does such a great job of exporting.

“It’s certainly important to be on the record that this is not how the U.S. pork industry operates, but we also are not going to let other countries bully us around,” Zieba says.

Together with the U.S. Meat Export Federation, NPPC will be filing an industry petition in response to these allegations. They are working with the exporters listed in the petition, in addition to exporters in general and importers in Mexico, USTR and USDA.

A Complex Situation

It’s been years since the U.S. pork industry has had a trade case filed against it on its exports. She says it’s complex because there are now two cases, many players and political aspects as well.

“Domestic producers across the board in Mexico are the ones that went to the government asking for assistance in curbing the imports,” she adds.

The U.S. and Mexico are experiencing trade tensions, Zieba points out. Essentially, there are many issues geopolitically between the two countries outside of agriculture.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum wanted to have a resolution on the tomato suspension agreement , a separate agreement between the U.S. and Mexico that was terminated in 2025, Zieba says. Sheinbaum had said if it wasn’t resolved, then pork would be on the list to retaliate against. Zieba believes U.S. pork is being used as leverage.

“We are free traders through and through,” she adds. “That is our position and has continued to be our position the last 30 years. The industry believes that to lower all barriers, whether tariff barriers or nontariff barriers to trade, would be trade limiting. Our industry would not be supportive of something like that. It would go against our policy that we’ve had on the books for decades.”

How Does This Compare to Chicken Anti-Dumping?

The pork anti-dumping case is very similar to the poultry case that the Mexicans launched a number of years ago. The Mexican government, the arbitrator in both cases, found fault with U.S. poultry exports, but they never imposed duties.

“You can still export product from the U.S. to Mexico without having to pay that dumping duty,” Zieba says.

They aren’t imposing the duty because it would be negative for Mexico consumers.

“Mexico is dealing with some high food price inflation already, and it is not in the best interest for those consumers to be paying higher prices at the grocery store,” Zieba says. “That’s a pretty big argument for why this is quite silly to be initiating a case on U.S. pork at a time where the Mexican industry and Mexican consumers need a reliable source of U.S. pork.”

Unfortunate Timing with USMCA Review Ahead

With the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) coming up this summer, the timing of these cases is challenging. If Mexico reaches an adverse determination, U.S. producers and/or the U.S. can appeal through the dispute settlement mechanisms of the USMCA and/or the World Trade Organization agreements.

“We have a very collaborative working system where we are highly integrated,” Zieba says. “This pushes against that work we’ve had. If you look at the Canadian, Mexican and U.S. pork industries and our producers, we’ve been growing. Our three industries are a great success because we are integrated. We help each other out, but we also are able to be competitive in the international market and domestically.”

NPPC filed initial comments earlier this month in what is an ongoing process. Pending outcome, Zieba says preliminary duties could be assessed as early as late spring or early summer. The final case will be determined in early 2027, but duties can be implemented in a preliminary phase.

“If the final decision goes against the U.S. pork industry, the worst-case scenario is facing two tariff rates on U.S. pork hams and shoulders as we go into the summer, and those temporary duties assessed,” she says. “We are doing everything we can at NPPC and with USMEF to prevent that from happening. But that’s certainly on the spectrum of possibilities.”

Why It's Time to Boost Mexico's In-Home Consumption of U.S. Pork

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:43:59 GMT

U.S. pork exports to Mexico reached an all-time high in 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of record-breaking volume. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), exports totaled 1.24 million metric tons, with a market value of $2.85 billion.

The Challenge: Increasing At-Home Pork Consumption

While Mexican demand for pork is surging in the restaurant sector, at-home consumption remains a significant growth opportunity.

Current Statistic: Only 12% of total pork consumed in Mexico is cooked at home.
The Barrier: Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF Regional Director for Mexico and Central America, notes that price and availability are not the issues. Instead, the primary barrier is consumer education on how to prepare pork correctly.

USMEF Strategy: Education Through Mobile Innovation

With support from the USDA and the National Pork Board, USMEF is launching a targeted campaign to move the needle on home cooking.

Key Tactics to Drive Demand:

Educational Food Trucks: Utilizing mobile units for sampling and live cooking demonstrations.
Modern Appliance Integration: Teaching consumers how to prepare U.S. pork cuts using convenient tools like air fryers.
Simplified Preparation: Showing at-home chefs that U.S. pork is an easy, versatile protein for family meals.

“If we grow that percentage of pork being cooked at home, I think that it’s going to move the needle in a tremendous way,” Rodriguez says.

USTR and Ag Groups Align on USMCA Importance Ahead of July Review

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:21:30 GMT

There’s no question the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is incredibly important to agriculture, acknowledged Ambassador Julie Callahan, who serves as the chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

“The USTR published a Federal register notice to inform the USMCA review. One thing I love about ag stakeholders, no one is shy at all,” she said at the National Pork Industry Forum. “We received copious input from ag stakeholders across the board. What we learned from this exercise, which was not a surprise to us, is that stakeholders want the USMCA to be maintained.”

However, there are areas within the agreement that stakeholders thought they would get more benefits than they actually received in practice, she added.

“That is what we’re looking at — where are the sectors that require a tweak to the agreement itself?” Callahan said.

One of the USTR’s focuses right now is the trade deficit at USTR.

“The deficit with Canada in agriculture is also ballooning,” Callahan said. “In 2020, the U.S. had a $3 billion ag trade deficit with Canada. Last year, in 2025, it was $11 billion. We went from a $3-billion to an $11-billion deficit while the USMCA was enforced. We really want to look at which sectors are losing out.”

USMCA is Foundational to Economy

Nearly 70 U.S. agriculture and business organizations sent a letter on March 3 to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. In the letter, the groups—including the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC)—described Canada and Mexico as “foundational to our economic strength and resilience.” The push comes ahead of a high-stakes review scheduled for July, which will determine if the trade deal is renewed for a 16-year term.

The coalition is urging the USTR to maintain “sustained and meaningful engagement” with industry stakeholders throughout the review process.

“We strongly support concurrent efforts to resolve tariff and non-tariff barriers and to ensure existing,” the authors wrote. “USMCA commitments are fully implemented and adhered to. Maintaining duty-free treatment for USMCA-compliant goods throughout this process is an indispensable prerequisite for North American stability. To strengthen the U.S. manufacturing and industrial base, we urge the Administration to avoid imposing any new duties on Canada or Mexico and to restore duty-free trade.”

The organizations requested that the Trump administration focus on:

Full Implementation: Resolving pending disputes and ensuring all parties meet their commitments.
Market Predictability: Restoring certainty in North American trade flows.
Tariff Prevention: Maintaining duty-free treatment for USMCA-compliant goods and avoiding the imposition of new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products.

Agriculture Needs Certainty of USMCA

“For U.S. farmers and businessowners, maintaining a rules-based agreement with binding commitments protects their industries,” NPPC said in Capital Update. “Without the economic might USMCA provides, incomes would be affected by additional, burdensome costs related to transportation and compliance measures. Without the certainty guaranteed by USMCA, U.S. entities would face unreliable markets, and their global competitiveness would be weakened.”

The pork industry, in particular, has a significant stake in the negotiations. According to the NPPC, USMCA has been instrumental to long-term success. In 2025, Mexico remained the No. 1 export market for U.S. pork with nearly $2.85 billion in sales, while Canada ranked as the No. 4 market at approximately $759 million.

“NPPC is one of the stakeholder groups that we are continually reaching out to as we move forward bilaterally or regionally,” Callahan shared in her comments. “NPPC calls us when there’s an issue and a concern with a trading partner. We also call them when there’s specific issues that may affect pork access and we need to know, at a granular level, what will be helpful and what is needed to address this issue.”

Callahan said USTR will be working with members of Congress and with stakeholder organizations as it moves forward.

“There won’t be surprises as we move forward, because we will be having these constant communications with stakeholders,” she said.

Pork Industry Must Adapt to a "New World Order"

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 20:23:07 GMT

In the pork industry, there is more that brings us together than separates us, says National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) CEO Bryan Humphreys. However, the foundational “pillars” of the industry are shifting.

“Survivability requires adaptation,” Humphreys told the delegate body at the National Pork Industry Forum. “We cannot adapt to a new world order that we simply don’t understand.”

Four Pillars in Flux

Humphreys outlines four fundamental truths that have guided the industry for decades but are now undergoing radical shifts:

The Erosion of Science and Facts: For years, the industry relied on objective data to win legal and political arguments. Today, Humphreys warns that the definition of science is “under attack.” He pointed to the “MAHA” (Make America Healthy Again) coalition as a driver of a movement attempting to replace peer-reviewed research with unsubstantiated social media claims.

“My fear is that our primary battle will shift from simply using data, information and facts to actively defending and validating the very existence of those facts that make our food system the safest and most abundant in the world,” he says.
A Scrambled Political Map: The traditional lines of political alignment aren’t just blurred, they are being completely re-written, Humphreys says. For example, he noted a “bizarre reality” where the far-left and far-right are finding common ground in attacks on ultra-processed foods.
Unchecked Executive Power: With Congress frequently stalled, the Executive branch has filled the void with aggressive rulemaking and executive orders. Humphreys warns of “regulatory whiplash,” noting that while unchecked executive action may benefit us at times under the current administration, it sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations to bypass the legislative process.
Transactional Geopolitics: Agriculture was once the “crown jewel” of American trade deals. Now, trade is often focused on national security, critical minerals and domestic manufacturing. Humphreys warned that pork risks becoming “collateral damage” in broader geopolitical fights if the industry does not adapt its trade strategy.

The Power of Bacon

Despite all the “noise in Washington,” Humphreys reminds producers of two unwavering truths: the global love for pork—specifically bacon—and the high level of public trust in farmers. Citing 25 years of Gallup polling data, he noted that the American farmer remains one of the most trusted resources of information.

“In all the political headlines that we face, people love your product. People trust and love you all,” Humphreys says. “When a grassroots organization made up of you all as members faces foundational shifts, I firmly believe that the opportunities are endless if we are willing to adapt and change.”

A New Strategic Playbook

To address these shifts, Humphreys says the industry must execute on the “playbook.” The 2022 decision to increase the Strategic Investment Program (SIP) rate to 15 cents per $100 of value created an “extraordinary opportunity for us to take a broader and more aggressive approach.” The strategy moving forward will include:

Third-Party Validation: In addition to industry-led research, looking to the work of third-party experts and allied coalitions to validate the science behind modern pork production.
Direct Political Engagement: Becoming more comfortable in the political arena, from grassroots town halls to leveraging PACs and holding historical individuals in Congress accountable.
Executive Branch Focus: Deepening bipartisan relations directly with regulatory agencies to ensure the industry has a voice regardless of which party occupies the White House.
Strategic Trade: Working with partners to anticipate barriers and ensure U.S. pork is ready to move the second a trade door opens.

“Bring on the Mountains”

Humphreys revisited a metaphor he shared years ago of “two paths” up a mountain. He urged producers to avoid the narrow, solitary path and instead choose the wider path of collective commitment.

“As we step into this new world order, the perception of a divided industry will weaken our ability to navigate the challenges ahead,” Humphreys says. “There is more that joins us together as an industry than will ever separate us. Bring on the mountains. I look forward to seeing you at the top.”

Pork Exports Open 2026 on High Note

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:44:36 GMT

U.S. pork exports trended higher year-over-year in January, led by another outstanding performance from leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). January pork exports totaled 250,861 metric tons (mt), up 3% from a year ago, while value increased 4% to $692.1 million. In addition to Mexico, exports were larger year-over-year to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, the ASEAN and Taiwan.

“Very impressive start to the year for U.S. pork in Mexico and other Western Hemisphere markets, but strengthening demand in Asian destinations is especially encouraging,” says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The U.S. industry continues to capitalize on consumers’ growing demand for convenience-oriented products at both retail and foodservice, and this is reflected in our recent export results.”

Broad-based growth for January pork exports

Coming off a fifth consecutive record year, pork exports to Mexico remained on a roll in January, increasing 3% from a year ago to 107,902 mt. Export value climbed 8% to $238.7 million. As USMEF has previously reported, U.S. pork faces a potential headwind in Mexico due to antidumping and anti-subsidy investigations on U.S. hams and shoulders. Led by the National Pork Producers Council and USMEF, as well as individual company participation, the U.S. industry has responded in great detail to the Mexican government’s requests for information, demonstrating that U.S. export growth is demand-driven and refuting concerns about dumping or subsidization.

Pork exports to Japan totaled 27,910 mt in January, up 22% from a year ago and the largest since May. Export value was $103.8 million, up 14%. With the U.S. and Japan continuing to work on a reciprocal trade deal, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to visit the White House next week. USMEF does not expect any impact on red meat market access in Japan, as the U.S. continues to benefit from the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement reached in President Trump’s first term. But a reciprocal deal could further solidify general trade relations between the two nations.

Pork exports to Colombia set a value record in 2025 and nearly matched 2024’s record volume, but shipments slowed toward the end of the year. That trend was reversed in January, as shipments climbed 16% year-over-year to 9,853 mt, valued at $30 million (up 13%). While Colombia was once primarily a destination for raw material for further processing, exports have expanded in recent years to include a range of value-added products.

Other January results for U.S. pork exports include:

Similar to Colombia, pork exports to Central America were record-large in 2025 but slowed near the end of the year. Led by growth in leading market Honduras, January exports to the region edged slightly higher than a year ago in both volume (14,651 mt, up 1%) and value ($47.6 million, up 2%).
January exports to South Korea increased year-over-year for the seventh consecutive month, climbing 3% in volume (16,691 mt) and 9% in value ($57.5 million). This growth was achieved even as cheaper Spanish pork became available in the market, due to African swine fever (ASF) related restrictions other trading partners have imposed on Spain.
In the Dominican Republic, Brazilian pork has made inroads in the market, but demand continues to grow, U.S. market share has rebounded, and domestic production is still battling ASF and other challenges. January exports to the DR reached 8,108 mt, up 25% from a year ago, while value climbed 26% to $24.2 million.
The U.S. and Taiwan recently announced a reciprocal trade deal that includes market access gains for U.S. pork, including lower tariffs. While those benefits have not yet been implemented, January exports totaled 1,346 mt, up 181% from the low year-ago volume. Export value more than tripled to $3.6 million (up 205%).
Pork exports to Canada were strong in January, increasing 6% from a year ago to 16,243 mt. Export value climbed 7% to $63.1 million.
Despite retaliatory duties, sluggish demand and ample domestic supplies, China continues to be the largest destination for U.S. pork variety meats. January variety meat exports to China totaled 24,139 mt, up 3% from a year ago, though value declined 11% to $52 million. Global variety meat exports increased 6% to 47,129 mt, including gains in Mexico, the Philippines, Canada, Guatemala, Korea and the DR. Export value fell 3% to $97.3 million, mainly due to the decline in China.
Pork export value averaged $62.07 per head slaughtered in January, up 6.5% from a year ago. Exports accounted for 28.5% of total January pork production and 24.9% for muscle cuts only, up from the respective January 2025 ratios of 27.1% and 23.8%.

A detailed summary of the January export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available here .

2025 U.S. Pork Export Performance: Key Statistics and Market Trends

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:09:57 GMT

U.S. pork exports reached significant milestones in 2025, recording the second-highest value and third-largest volume in history. According to data from the USDA and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the year concluded with robust performance in Latin America and a late-year rebound in Asian markets.

Quick Facts: 2025 Pork Export Totals

Total Volume: 2.94 million metric tons (mt) — third largest on record.
Total Value: $8.4 billion — second highest on record.
Per Head Value: Approximately $65 for every animal slaughtered.
Variety Meat Contribution: 13% to 14% of total export value (approx. $1.1 billion).

What These Export Numbers Mean for U.S. Pork Producers

According to USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom, the export market adds significant value to the bottom line of domestic producers. The $65-per-head contribution is driven largely by products with low domestic demand, such as variety meats. In December alone, pork variety meat exports were valued at nearly $105 million, the highest level since March.

Top Performing Markets in 2025

The 2025 export story was defined by record-breaking demand in the Western Hemisphere and a recovery in the East:

Mexico: Remained the leading market with record-large volume and value.

Latin America: Achieved its second-largest value year ever, with record shipments to Central America and the Caribbean.

Colombia: Reached a new record in export value.

Asia: While down for the full year, markets in South Korea, Japan, ASEAN, and Taiwan saw a significant rebound in the second half of 2025.

Market Outlook for 2026

Despite a 3.5% year-over-year dip in December volume (257,846 mt), the industry remains well-positioned for growth. The late-year momentum in Asia and consistent demand from Mexico suggest a strong trajectory heading into 2026.

“The thing that doesn’t stand out here is that Asia, in the last half of the year, really started to pick up some ground,” Halstrom says. “They were down for the year. But if you remember, early last year, Asia was down quite a bit. In the last half of the year, we saw a rebound in Asia on pork as well. The pork side is well positioned going into 2026.”

A Trade Win for Beef and Pork: U.S. and Taiwan Sign Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:31:21 GMT

Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced the signing of an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Taiwan that includes significant market access gains for U.S. red meat.

“The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with Taiwan will eliminate tariff and nontariff barriers facing U.S. exports to Taiwan, furthering opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, fishermen, workers, small businesses and manufacturers,” Ambassador Jamieson Greer said . “This agreement also builds on our longstanding economic and trade relationship with Taiwan and will significantly enhance the resilience of our supply chains, particularly in high-technology sectors.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins praised the agreement on X, saying this will open up real markets and boost opportunities for rural communities.

New trade deal with our partner, Taiwan!
🇺🇸🤝🇹🇼

THANK YOU @POTUS and @USTradeRep. Under the new U.S.–Taiwan Reciprocal Trade Agreement, Taiwan is cutting or eliminating tariffs on nearly all U.S. agricultural exports — from animal protein like beef, pork, and dairy to corn,… https://t.co/44xmlzP04o
— Secretary Brooke Rollins (@SecRollins) February 13, 2026

U.S. Beef’s Potential to Grow Export Opportunities
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) says this will strengthen one of the most important and fastest-growing markets for U.S. beef. Taiwan is the fifth largest market for U.S. beef, with exports valued at about $650 million, and the U.S. is the largest supplier of beef to Taiwan.

“There is still potential for further growth with the increased access for all U.S. beef products, including those in high demand for yakiniku barbecue and trendy burger concepts,” U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) said. “The elimination of tariffs on U.S. beef will definitely improve our competitiveness.”

Foreign markets play a critical role in producer profitability with beef exports accounting for more than $415 per fed cattle processed in 2024, NCBA President Gene Copenhaver explained.

“Strong, science-based trade agreements are essential to adding value for U.S. cattle producers, and Taiwan has emerged as one of the strongest international markets for U.S. beef,” Copenhaver said. “Duty-free access improves competitiveness and provides long-term certainty for producers who depend on export markets to maximize the value of every animal. American cattle producers look forward to this expanded market access for years to come thanks to the work of President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer.”

Securing Greater Market Access for U.S. Pork
It’s also a step forward for the U.S. pork industry as U.S. pork has been “widely disadvantaged in Taiwan,” USMEF said. The EU and Canada currently dominate Taiwan’s pork imports.

“USMEF is optimistic that reducing both tariffs and nontariff barriers will help enable larger U.S. pork exports to Taiwan, as USMEF remains focused on regaining Taiwanese consumer trust in U.S. pork,” USMEF said.

Organizations say this trade deal reinforces science-based standards consistent with the World Organization for Animal Health and Codex Alimentarius.

“I would like to thank President Trump and Ambassadors Greer and Callahan for their hard work,” said Lori Stevermer, a Minnesota pig farmer. “This agreement stands to boost U.S. pork exports by cutting tariffs in half. It also requires Taiwan to follow maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by Codex for ractopamine in pork fat, kidney, liver and muscle. While not always as obvious as a tariff reduction, by accepting USDA FSIS inspections, audits and export certificates, this agreement reduces the nontariff barriers we face and allows opportunities for more plants to export pork. Overall, U.S. pig farmers will have greater market access to a country that loves pork and that’s good for our farms and businesses.”

Additionally, within six months Taiwan must recognize the African swine fever protection zone established by the U.S.

“Our 15-plus year endeavor to break down trade barriers in the high-value market of Taiwan has paid off,” said NPPC president Duane Stateler, an Ohio pork producer. “This means more U.S. pork on international tables and more opportunities and prosperity for American producers.”

Read the Fact Sheet on U.S.-Taiwan Agreement on Reciprocal Trade

Pork Exports Hold Strong While China Lockout Drags Down Beef Volume

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:01:24 GMT

Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China.

Broad-Based Strength Continues for U.S. Pork Exports

“For the month of November, we saw over $70 per head value in pork exports,” says USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Latin America continues to shine, led by Mexico. It’s on a definite record pace, and has been all year, and we saw another big month in November.”

Central America has already set a record, Halstrom adds. Pork exports to Guatemala were a “record large” in November and the Dominican Republic saw the largest export month in more than a year. All in all, these results were offset by lower shipments to China, Japan, Canada and Colombia. He says most of this decline was due to lower variety meat shipments to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory duties.

“Over the last several months, Korea has had a comeback from earlier in the year,” he reports. “I think all in all, continued broad-based strength on pork exports, continues to be the theme. We’re going to finish out the year when we get to December data with, maybe not a record, but it will be one of the top two or three years ever for pork exports.”

Key U.S. Pork Export Highlights in November

Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons (mt) in November, down 7% from a year ago but the third largest of 2025.
Exports were valued at $720.8 million, down 8% year-over-year but also the third highest of 2025.
For January through November, pork exports totaled 2.68 million mt, down 3% from the record pace of 2024, while value also fell 3% to $7.65 billion.
January-November exports of pork muscle cuts were just 1% below 2024’s record pace in both volume (2.19 million mt) and value ($6.57 billion).
While down slightly from a year ago, November pork export value per head slaughtered was outstanding at $70.26.
The January-November average was $65.54, down less than 1% from the record pace of 2024.

Beef Exports Take a Step Back in November

“Following an encouraging rebound the previous month, November beef exports took a step back, falling 19% from a year ago to 88,139 mt,” Halstrom says. “The decline was driven primarily by China, where exports remain minimal due to China’s failure to renew registrations for U.S. beef plants and other market-closing factors, but beef exports also trended lower year-over-year to Korea, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan.”

Halstrom says exports were steady to Japan.

“Japan’s had several months in a row with very good results, once again, led by the variety meat side - tongue business, outside skirts, hanging tenders as well saw volumes that were up significantly,” he notes. “But outside of Asia, there’s some other bright spots as well.”

He just returned from Gulfood in Dubai, where U.S. beef exports had a big month into the United Arab Emirates.

“A year ago, we basically were delisted as a country due to some protocols around the import procedures with halal. And that’s all been worked out, and we’re seeing some really good momentum back into, not only the UAE, but the business is booming in food service, especially into regions such as Egypt,” he reports.

Notable U.S. Beef Export Takeaways in November

Export value was down 16% to $736.7 million.
November exports increased year-over-year to Indonesia, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Colombia, and were fairly steady to Japan.
For January through November, beef exports totaled 1.04 million mt, down 12% from the same period in 2024.
Export value was $8.52 billion, down 11%. But when excluding China from these results, exports were down 3% year-over-year in volume and were just 1% lower in value.

A detailed summary of the January-November export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb is available here.

USTR's Measured Approach on Nicaragua is Great News for U.S. Pork

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:55:17 GMT

Known around the globe as the “land of fire and water,” Nicaragua has more recently become known as a rapidly growing destination for U.S. pork.

Duty-free access through Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR has helped Nicaragua move up to 13th among all export markets this year. Exports will approach 20,000 metric tons (mt) in 2025, more than doubling over the past five years and up from less than 1,500 mt a decade ago. Export value is estimated at $68.5 million – up 180% since 2020, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) said in its latest report.

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) recently announced that the U.S. will impose tariffs on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the CAFTA-DR. The tariff will initially be set at zero, but is set to increase to 10% in 2027 and to 15% in 2028.

“This announcement represents a much more measured approach than some of the potential actions USTR proposed in October, which included possible suspension of Nicaragua’s CAFTA-DR benefits and tariffs of up to 100%,” USMEF reports. “This is great news for the U.S. pork industry.”

The U.S. holds about 95% of Nicaragua’s imported pork market, points out Lucia Ruano, USMEF Central America representative.

(Data: USDA, with USMEF estimate for 2025)

“Demand for U.S. pork in Nicaragua is being driven right now by a combination of improved market access, changing consumption habits and strong market development efforts,” Ruano says. “And a key factor was the full tariff phase out under the free trade agreement in 2020 which allows U.S. pork to enter the market at zero duty. That made U.S. pork more competitive and more accessible to importers and retailers.”

From the importer and consumer perspective, Ruano says what’s most appealing about U.S. pork is its consistency, quality and reliability of supply.

“Importers know exactly what they’re getting in terms of cut specification, yields and performance,” she adds.

Pork is becoming a center of the plate feature in Nicaragua. Popular cuts are the pork loin, the tenderloin, and all the ribs (baby backs, spare ribs, riblets).

“These cuts fit very well with local cooking styles, with family meals and restaurant menus, and they allow pork to compete directly with other proteins as the center of the plate,” Ruano says.

CAFTA has been absolutely critical in developing the Nicaragua market of U.S. pork, she says.

“Maintaining duty-free access is essential right now,” Ruano says. “Any disruption would immediately affect pricing, volumes and confidence in the supply chain.”

Mexico Opens Trade Investigations Into Some U.S. Pork Imports

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:47:21 GMT

Mexico has opened an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy probe into U.S. pork leg and shoulder imports after domestic producers alleged unfair pricing and government support, the government said on Monday.

The investigation will examine 2024 imports and their impact on Mexico’s pork industry from 2022 to 2024, Mexico’s Economy Ministry said in a publication in Mexico’s government bulletin.

The probe, opened after petitions from five Mexican pork companies, covers U.S.-origin pork even if shipped via third countries and could lead to duties despite current tariff exemptions.

The companies argue that imports from the U.S. rose steadily in recent years and that imports were sold at unfairly low prices and/or supported by subsidies, the economy ministry said.

(Reporting by Raul Cortes Fernandez; Writing by Brendan O’Boyle; Editing by Sharon Singleton)

Farmers Need the Certainty Provided Under USMCA More Than Ever, Lawmakers Say

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 22:47:07 GMT

The benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are hard to deny. Kenneth Smith Ramos, a former lead negotiator for the Mexican government who was deeply involved in the negotiation and ratification of USMCA, discussed the mutual benefits USMCA has delivered for the agricultural sectors in both the U.S. and Mexico during the recent USMEF Strategic Planning Conference. Not only has the agreement enhanced food security in both countries, but he said it has also bolstered the profitability of many agricultural sectors through free trade.

The U.S., Canada and Mexico are scheduled for a joint review of the trade agreement in July. Smith, who is now a partner in the regulatory and trade consulting firm AGON, says the possible outcomes of the USMCA review range from a very limited review to the threat of “rupture” if the agreement is reopened and the U.S. threatens to withdraw. He said he anticipates something in between, with portions of USMCA – some of which may be contentious – opened up for renegotiation.

“We see a complex USMCA review, but we do not see a scenario where there is an imminent collapse of the agreement,” Smith said during the conference. “There will be turbulence, but we do not see the plane crashing.”

Smith added that it is critical for the U.S., Mexican and Canadian agricultural sectors to remain vigilant in explaining the benefits of USMCA and the importance of maintaining it as a trilateral pact.

Much Needed Certainty

Congressional Agriculture Trade Caucus cochairs Reps. Jim Costa (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Adrian Smith (R-NE) led more than 100 members of the House of Representatives in urging the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to “carefully” examine changes to USMCA.

“USMCA was truly a landmark agreement for American Agriculture when it entered force, and its positive impact on U.S. agriculture has yet to reach its maximum benefit,” the members wrote. “At a time when economic challenges threaten the livelihood of family farms, producers need the certainty provided under USMCA more than ever.”

In the Nov. 20 letter to USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the lawmakers said the outcome of the review should advance American agriculture and food production. They asked the trade agency to “work closely with Congress and consider the significant positive impact North American trade has on our communities. Any changes to the agreement should be carefully examined to ensure U.S. agriculture is not negatively impacted.”

Lawmakers pointed out that USMCA streamlined compliance measures and harmonized regulations, thereby generating cost savings for U.S. farmers, producers, and ranchers. In 2024, the U.S. was the world’s largest agricultural exporter, with total ag exports valued at $176 billion.

“The agriculture section of the USMCA provides much needed certainty within North America through its tough and effective rules on sanitary and phytosanitary measures, agricultural biotechnology, intellectual property, and technical barriers to trade,” the letter said. “U.S. agricultural exporters depend on the binding nature of these provisions to access our closest markets and make sales, which has directly benefited the farmers, ranchers, and producers that we represent. Further, these rules-based, science-driven commitments set a strong example for other trading partners hoping to achieve similar access to the U.S. market.”

Earlier this month, the National Pork Producers Council and more than 125 agriculture and food organizations also urged USTR to be cautious in making changes to USMCA, which they said has facilitated and streamlined the flow of commerce throughout the three countries. The positive impact USMCA has had on U.S. agriculture, they added, “has yet to reach its maximum benefit. At a time when economic challenges threaten the livelihood of family farms, producers need the certainty provided under USMCA more than ever.”

“U.S. pork producers export over 25% of their pork,” NPPC noted in Capital Update. “With Mexico and Canada as their first and fourth largest export markets, respectively, USMCA has provided continuity and removed market uncertainty in those markets.”

Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation pointed out that USMCA has delivered real value for America’s dairy farmers.

“While several dairy compliance issues remain to be addressed in the 2026 Joint Review, the duty-free trade into Mexico that USMCA preserved has allowed U.S. dairy exporters to partner with Mexico to meet growing demand,” Doud said.

Read More:
No Trade Agreement Can Boast the Success of USMCA, The Meat Institute Says

Pork Exports Remain Strong in August; Beef Decline Continues

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:21:39 GMT

USDA has released August red meat export data, which was delayed due to the lengthy government shutdown. As compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), August data showed a relatively strong performance for U.S. pork exports. But beef exports were sharply lower than a year ago, impacted heavily by an impasse with China that has effectively locked U.S. beef out of the world’s largest import market.

August pork exports totaled 236,311 metric tons (mt), down 1% from a year ago, valued at $685.9 million (down 2%). August exports were bolstered by another remarkable performance by leading market Mexico, where shipments climbed 8% from a year ago to 102,790 mt, the fifth largest volume on record. Export value reached $252.3 million, up 9% and the second highest on record, trailing only December 2024.

For January through August, pork exports were 3% below last year’s record pace in both volume (1.93 million mt) and value ($5.48 billion). This gap is mostly attributable to lower exports to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory tariffs. This situation was especially disruptive in the spring months, when tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China temporarily escalated and there was growing uncertainty about the continued eligibility of U.S. plants. While this situation has since stabilized, China’s total tariff on U.S. pork and most pork variety meat had been 57% until Nov. 10, when it was reduced to 47%.

August beef exports totaled 83,388 mt, down 19% from a year ago and the lowest since June 2020. Export value fell 18% to $695.5 million, the lowest since February 2021. While exports to China plummeted, shipments were fairly steady to leading market South Korea and trended higher than a year ago to the Caribbean and Central and South America.

For January through August, beef exports were 9.5% below last year at 775,188 mt, while value declined 9% to $6.37 billion.

Mexico and Central America continue to shine for U.S. pork

Pork exports to Mexico continue to reach new heights in 2025, with January-August shipments climbing 3% above last year’s record pace in volume (781,605 mt) and 6% higher in value ($1.78 billion). The leading destination for U.S. pork is increasingly competitive, with Brazil’s pork shipments to Mexico (through October) increasing 64% from a year ago to nearly 64,000 mt. However, Brazil still captured less than 5% market share, while U.S. market share is about 80%.

August pork exports to Central America also trended higher, keeping shipments to the region on a record pace. Through August, pork exports to Central America totaled 118,257 mt, up 22% from last year’s record. Value soared 25% to $377.5 million, led by robust growth in Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Pork exports to Colombia took a step back in August, falling 29% from last year’s very robust totals in both volume (9,418 mt) and value ($28 million). But January-August shipments to Colombia were still on a record pace, increasing 9% to 85,707 mt, valued at $245.4 million (up 11%).

Among other markets, August pork exports trended higher than a year ago to Korea, the Caribbean, Australia and the Philippines. Shipments were below last year to China, Japan, Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Pork export value equated to $67.74 per head slaughtered in August, up 5% from a year ago, while the January-August average was $65.55 per head, down 1%. Exports accounted for 31% of total August pork production, up two full percentage points from a year ago. For muscle cuts only, the ratio exported was about one percentage point higher at 26.3%. For January through August, exports accounted for just under 30% of total production, down slightly from a year ago. The ratio of muscle cuts exported was steady at 26.1%.

Some bright spots for beef, but impasse with China weighs heavily on exports

With U.S. beef facing a multi-layered lockout in China, export results have worsened throughout 2025 as supplies of eligible product were depleted and more plants were suspended in June and August. Exports sank to just 862 mt in August, down 94% from a year ago. For January through August, exports to China were 52% below last year in volume (56,494 mt) and 53% lower in value ($484.2 million). The accumulated decline in exports for January through October is estimated at $832 million, as September and October exports are also certain to be minimal. As USMEF has previously reported, China has failed to renew registrations for the vast majority of U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities. But renewing these registrations is just one of the steps necessary to restore access for U.S. beef in China, where 16 U.S. plants have been suspended since June and 30 facilities have been suspended since 2022. For China to return to its commitments under the U.S.-China Phase One Agreement, it must address all of the barriers obstructing access for U.S. beef.

August beef exports to leading market Korea were slightly below last year in volume, falling 1.5% to 16,823 mt. But export value still increased 3% to $168 million. For January through August, exports to Korea increased 8% from a year ago in volume (162,907 mt) and 9% in value ($1.55 billion).

Beef exports to Central America posted another strong performance in August, climbing 5% from a year ago to 1,512 mt, while value soared 50% to $17 million. Led by robust growth in Guatemala and Costa Rica, January-August beef exports to the region are on a record pace, reaching 14,520 mt, up 6% from a year ago, while value climbed 34% to $134.2 million.

Among other markets, August beef exports trended higher than a year ago to the Caribbean region, led by growth in the Dominican Republic, Bahamas and Jamaica, and to South America, led by growth in Chile (where exports have been above year-ago levels in each of the past six months) and a rebound in Colombia. Exports were also higher to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Vietnam, Europe and Morocco, but trended lower to Japan, Mexico, Canada, Taiwan and the Middle East.

Beef export value equated to $372.10 per head of fed slaughter in August, down 5% from a year ago. The January-August average was $400.16 per head, down 3.5% from the same period last year. Exports accounted for 12.1% of total August beef production and 9.8% for muscle cuts only – each down about one percentage point from a year ago. The January-August ratios were 13.1% of total production and 11% for muscle cuts, down from 13.9% and 11.6%, respectively, during the same period last year.

Full January-August export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb are available from USMEF’s statistics web page .

Optimism Reigns Despite Volatility in U.S. Red Meat Industry

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:39:12 GMT

Demand for U.S. red meat remains robust in key destinations where customers crave the quality and consistency of U.S. pork, beef and lamb, despite significant obstacles in the international marketplace, explained U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) president and CEO Dan Halstrom at the USMEF Strategic Planning Conference in Indianapolis.

Pork exports are modestly below last year’s record pace, but he says the gap stems mostly from a period early in 2025 when China’s retaliatory tariffs increased and the U.S. industry faced uncertainty about plant eligibility.

“Although export data is only available through July due to the government shutdown, pork shipments are on record pace to leading market Mexico, as well as to Central America and Colombia,” USMEF reports.

Halstrom says beef exports have been hit harder by barriers in China, where U.S. beef not only faces retaliatory tariffs, but also unwarranted plant delistings and China’s failure to renew registrations for the vast majority of U.S. beef plants and cold storage facilities. Fully reopening the world’s largest beef import market to U.S. beef will require several actions on China’s part, and the lockout could extend into 2026.

“This is obviously a political card that’s being held by the China side,” Halstrom says. “One thing I’m very confident in is that [the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative] is well aware of our position, well aware of what’s involved, and very well-informed. I do think they’ll get it worked out eventually, I just can’t tell you when – no one can.”

Free Trade Agreements are Key
Protecting and defending existing free trade agreements is an urgent priority, Halstrom says. He is optimistic that ongoing negotiations with several trading partners may lead to new opportunities for U.S. red meat, especially in Southeast Asia.

Over the past decade, red meat exports to free trade agreement partner countries have expanded by more than 30%, and exports to these destinations now account for 76% of total shipments, he says.

Invoking the Paul Harvey quote, “In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these,” Halstrom reminds USMEF members that the industry has endured tremendous trade setbacks in the past, including widespread market closures due to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and plunging consumer confidence and buying power in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

“Remember that we overcame all those obstacles,” Halstrom says. “I believe that with the knowledge in this room, and with continued cooperation and collaboration, we can overcome anything.”

A Complicated Relationship
Keynote speaker Jan Lambregts, head of RaboResearch Global Economics & Markets, discussed the complexities of the U.S.-China trade relationship.

“I’m not quite sure if you will like this news, but I don’t think there will be a comprehensive deal coming soon between China and the U.S.,” Lambregts shares. “What the U.S. is demanding is access to Chinese markets. What China will never give is access to the Chinese market because that’s not how they’ve been winning in trade during the past 30 to 40 years.”

Both countries are playing for time, he says. China has been cut off from high-end semiconductors and needs time to develop its own semiconductor sector. Similarly, the U.S. needs time to build its rare earths capacity, including development of extraction and processing capabilities.

“In the meantime, the U.S. is basically sending all its allies the same message: What was previously free defense now must be paid for, because we (the U.S.) need to be compensated. And by the way, if you want to trade with China, there are conditions now,” Lambregts says.

Cantinas Campaign Adds a Little Spice to Mexico Meat Promotions

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:32:17 GMT

Variety meats are popular in cantinas, or casual dining restaurants, in the central part of Mexico. That’s why the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is finding creative ways to promote pork and beef variety meat items to bars and casual restaurants in Mexico as an affordable appetizer and snack option that will appeal to their customers.

“Variety meat exports provide critical returns for U.S. pork and beef producers, and Mexico is a leading destination for these products,” USMEF says.

USMEF’s marketing campaign, known as Cantina Vibes, has expanded to the northern part of the country because of the success in central Mexico. In northern Mexico, consumers are less familiar with variety meat dishes, but are attracted to the lower cost, high quality, U.S. pork and beef.

“When we talk about variety meats in pork, we talk about jowl, ears, brains, snout, stomach, etc. In beef, we are promoting small intestine, also liver and sweetbread,” says Rigoberto Treviño, trade manager for USMEF Mexico. “For example, with the pork snout, we are doing tacos, sopes, tostadas. So, it’s different cantina dishes with variety meat.”

Sweebread Taco

(USMEF)

Mexico is the leading volume destination for U.S. beef variety meat exports, totaling 124,000 metric tons last year. It is second only to China for pork variety meat exports, with shipments in 2024 topping 160,000 metric tons.

Treviño says U.S. pork and beef offer “really good quality” and amazing consistency. Plus, it is very affordable for the cantinas.

“Not all variety meats are affordable,” he points out. “I know that sweetbreads are a little bit more expensive. But the small intestine or pork stomach and pork snout are very affordable. You can have a pork jowl taco or a pork jowl sope with guacamole for about, a dollar. It’s very affordable, and it’s very important for those kinds of restaurants and casual dining.”

Trade Barriers Limit Vital Export Opportunities for Pork Producers

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:54:40 GMT

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) submitted comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on its 2026 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, which details significant barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services, U.S. foreign direct investment, and U.S. electronic commerce in important export markets.

Published annually since 1986, the NTE looks at agricultural trade barriers such as tariffs, burdensome facility registration requirements, sanitary-phytosanitary regulations, import licensing requirements not based in science, and other measures that lack adherence to international science- and risk-based standards, NPPC says.

“The NTE Report helps U.S. negotiators in their efforts to reduce or eliminate trade barriers and is a valuable tool for enforcing U.S. trade laws and agreements,” NPPC says in a statement. “Trade barriers limit U.S. agricultural exports, which are vital to America’s farmers, ranchers and the overall U.S. economy, supporting about a million U.S. jobs.”

Pork exports contribute significantly to a producer’s bottom line. Last year, producers shipped more than $8.6 billion of pork products to foreign destinations.

In its comments for the most recent report, NPPC listed 22 countries and the European Union as having varying tariff and/or non-tariff barriers limiting U.S. pork exports.

Key points NPPC made in its comments include:

Brazil: De facto ban on U.S. pork imports that lacks scientific justification. It requires U.S. pork to be frozen or tested for trichinae.
China: Ban on the feed additive ractopamine despite an international standard allowing its use. China also has an onerous facility registration system.
India: Proposed additional export certificate with additional attestations that are not relevant to food safety or based on science.
South Africa: Prohibition on pork offal and trichinae-related freezing of pork.
Thailand: De facto ban on U.S. pork imports and a ban on ractopamine use.

Read More:
No Trade Agreement Can Boast the Success of USMCA, The Meat Institute Says

China Tariff Reduction is a Win for U.S. Pig Farmers

China Tariff Reduction is a Win for U.S. Pig Farmers

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 22:10:58 GMT

U.S. pork exports to China in the first seven months of the year were down 13%, largely due to retaliatory tariffs. Last week in the Republic of Korea, President Donald J. Trump reached a trade and economic deal with President Xi Jinping of China that includes suspending retaliatory tariffs set in March.

This historic agreement includes Chinese commitments to halt the flow of precursors used to make fentanyl into the U.S., effectively eliminate China’s current and proposed export controls on rare earth elements and other critical minerals, end Chinese retaliation against U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and other major U.S. companies and open China’s market to U.S. soybeans and other agricultural exports.

“In a win for U.S. agriculture and America’s pork producers, China has suspended its retaliatory tariffs set in March,” says National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) president Duane Stateler, an Ohio pork producer. “We are very pleased to see the Trump administration answer the widespread call of agriculture, including persistent requests from the National Pork Producers Council, to negotiate for tariff removal and allow business with China to return to a more market-driven norm unburdened by these costly taxes.”

The U.S. Meat Export Federation said in a statement on Monday that they are encouraged by the progress being made in trade negotiations with China, and appreciate the Trump administration’s emphasis on restoring market access for U.S. agricultural exports.

“If China follows through on its commitment to suspend all retaliatory tariffs announced since March 4, and to suspend or remove all retaliatory non-tariff countermeasures taken since that date, this puts U.S. pork in a much more competitive position in the Chinese market,” USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom said in a statement. “If the removal of non-tariff barriers means that China will promptly renew the U.S. beef plant and cold storage registrations it has allowed to expire over the past nine months, this will restore access to a critical beef export market. China’s recent delisting of some U.S. beef plants for technical violations is also a retaliatory measure that must be addressed. We are anxious to see further details on these issues.”

Here’s a look at the actions that have been agreed to by China and the U.S., acccording to Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strikes Deal on Economic and Trade Relations with China :

CHINESE ACTIONS:

China will suspend the global implementation of the expansive new export controls on rare earths and related measures that it announced on Oct. 9.
China will issue general licenses valid for exports of rare earths, gallium, germanium, antimony and graphite for the benefit of U.S. end users and their suppliers around the world. The general license means the de facto removal of controls China imposed in April 2025 and October 2022.
China will take significant measures to end the flow of fentanyl to the U.S. Specifically, China will stop the shipment of certain designated chemicals to North America and strictly control exports of certain other chemicals to all destinations in the world.
China will suspend all of the retaliatory tariffs that it has announced since March 4, 2025. This includes tariffs on a vast swath of U.S. agricultural products: chicken, wheat, corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
China will suspend or remove all of the retaliatory non-tariff countermeasures taken against the U.S. since March 4, including China’s listing of certain American companies on its end user and unreliable entity lists.
China will purchase at least 12 million metric tons (MMT) of U.S. soybeans during the last two months of 2025 and also purchase at least 25 MMT of U.S. soybeans in each of 2026, 2027, and 2028. Additionally, China will resume purchases of U.S. sorghum and hardwood logs.
China will take appropriate measures to ensure the resumption of trade from Nexperia’s facilities in China, allowing production of critical legacy chips to flow to the rest of the world.
China will remove measures it took in retaliation for the U.S.’s announcement of a Section 301 investigation on China’s Targeting the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance, and remove sanctions imposed on various shipping entities.
China will further extend the expiration of its market-based tariff exclusion process for imports from the U.S. and exclusions will remain valid until Dec. 31, 2026.
China will terminate its various investigations targeting U.S. companies in the semiconductor supply chain, including its antitrust, anti-monopoly, and anti-dumping investigations.

AMERICAN ACTIONS:

The U.S. will lower the tariffs on Chinese imports imposed to curb fentanyl flows by removing 10 percentage points of the cumulative rate, effective Nov. 10, and will maintain its suspension of heightened reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports until November 10, 2026. (The current 10% reciprocal tariff will remain in effect during this suspension period.)
The U.S. will further extend the expiration of certain Section 301 tariff exclusions, currently due to expire on November 29, 2025, until Nov. 10, 2026.
The U.S. will suspend for one year, starting on Nov. 10, the implementation of the interim final rule titled Expansion of End-User Controls to Cover Affiliates of Certain Listed Entities.
The U.S. will suspend for one year, starting on Nov. 10, implementation of the responsive actions taken pursuant to the Section 301 investigation on China’s Targeting the Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors for Dominance. In the meantime, the U.S. will negotiate with China pursuant to Section 301 while continuing its historic cooperation with the Republic of Korea and Japan on revitalizing American shipbuilding.

No Trade Agreement Can Boast the Success of USMCA, The Meat Institute Says

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:13:19 GMT

The Meat Institute is calling on the Trump administration to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) for its benefits to American meat and poultry companies and the entire U.S. animal protein value chain.

“USMCA has been a boon for the American meat, livestock and poultry sector, along with the broader American food and agriculture economy and ancillary industries,” said Julie Anna Potts, The Meat Institute president and CEO, in a news release. “It has provided steady income to American farmers, ranchers, and meat and poultry exporters; it has created jobs for American truck drivers, ports, and transportation companies; it has strengthened American food retail and food service establishments; and it has accomplished all of this through transparent rules that allow American businesses to proactively plan supply chains and develop durable customer relationships.”

USMCA entered into force on July 1, 2020, substituting the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to create more balanced, reciprocal trade supporting high-paying jobs for Americans and grow the North American economy, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) .

“The domestic U.S. meat and poultry industry’s long-term economic viability, though, depends on robust international trade, particularly as domestic per capita consumption of meat and poultry remains stable, and 95% of consumers live outside the U.S,” The Meat Institute wrote in comments submitted to the USTR on Nov. 3. “International trade is, therefore, vital to the long-term strength of the U.S. meat and poultry industry, the American workers it supports, and the rural and farm communities it sustains.”

In 2024, U.S. meat and poultry exports exceeded $24.6 billion. Meat and poultry product exports to Canada and Mexico accounted for $7.5 billion of that total. Annually, approximately 14% of U.S. beef production, 15% of U.S. poultry production and 25% of U.S. pork production are exported, the organization noted. As well, exports add value to every animal produced, and in turn, increase demand for U.S. corn and soybeans.

“The Trump Administration’s America First Trade Policy Agenda has reinvigorated American trade policy and has reasserted American leadership to advance U.S. meat, poultry, food, and agriculture trade in a manner that revitalizes our farm communities and supports broad-based economic growth. President Trump’s negotiation of the USMCA during his first term resulted in the world’s gold-standard trade agreement,” the letter said. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, USMCA has bolstered U.S. meat, poultry, and livestock trade, has led to increased market integration in North America, and must be preserved without significant changes that would disrupt the U.S. meat and poultry industry’s substantial access to the Canadian and Mexican markets.”

The Meat Institute says it’s clear USMCA’s access terms – zero tariffs on most meat, poultry and livestock trade – have underpinned American economic and job growth, particularly in rural and farm communities across the U.S.

“No other trade agreement can boast the same success,” Potts said. “President Trump deserves enormous credit for this extraordinary achievement.”

See The Meat Institute’s full comments in response to the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) “Request for Comments on the Operation of the Agreement Between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada.”

Historic Trade Deals with Southeast Asia Open New Markets for U.S. Pork, Beef

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:27:22 GMT

President Donald Trump has secured historic trade deals to lower tariffs on U.S. exports and eliminate trade barriers, strengthening America’s economic and national security interests, said ambassador Jamieson Greer on Oct. 26.

Trump secured agreements on reciprocal trade with Malaysia and Cambodia and reached frameworks for agreements on reciprocal trade with Thailand and Vietnam.

Ambassador Greer believes these landmark deals demonstrate how America can maintain tariffs to shrink the goods trade deficit while opening new markets for American farmers, ranchers, workers and manufacturers.

ASEAN Region is Critical
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) president and CEO Dan Halstrom appreciates USTR’s tireless efforts to address both tariff and non-tariff barriers that have kept the U.S. as a minor supplier of red meat to the ASEAN region.

“With the U.S. beef industry currently lacking access to China, improved access to Southeast Asia is desperately needed to provide competing bids for beef cuts that are popular in Asia, but not demanded by American consumers,” Halstrom says. “Exports of short plate, chuck short rib, rib fingers, omasum and other such items are critical to maximizing the value of every animal and stimulating the U.S. herd rebuild.”

Exports have been an important driver of U.S. pork industry growth, enabling American consumers access to the bacon and ribs they love, while maximizing whole animal value through exports of feet, stomachs, picnics, brisket bones and bone-in hams, Halstrom says.

“The ASEAN region is more critical than ever as an alternative market to China, especially for pork variety meats,” he says.

U.S. beef and pork hold only minor import shares in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia due to the combination of tariff and non-tariff barriers. USMEF believes growth potential is significant when these barriers are addressed through President Trump’s agreements.

“USMEF looks forward to swift implementation of the agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, and hopes for further progress and implementation of agreements with Thailand and Vietnam, as well as follow through on the joint statement with Indonesia announced in July,” Halstrom says.

Malaysia is Key for U.S. Pork
U.S. pork exports to Malaysia hit record levels of over $24.5 million in 2024, a significant amount considering only eight U.S. plants are currently eligible for export, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) noted in a release. Exports to Malaysia have increased over 1,700% in the last five years.

“The deal with Malaysia will open access to all U.S. facilities included in the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Meat, Poultry and Egg Product Inspection Directory; will not impose additional product or facility registration requirements; and will ensure acceptance of the standard FSIS export certificate,” NPPC wrote. “In a separate deal, Cambodia agreed to the same terms.”

Malaysia also agreed to recognize the U.S. protection zone for African swine fever within 15 months of signing the deal and complete a regionalization deal.

“America’s pork producers are grateful to President Trump for increasing market access for U.S. pork to Malaysia, a country that has been importing pork despite limited plants being eligible for export,” said NPPC president Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “More than 25% of U.S. pork production is exported, so producers count on exports to help keep their farms afloat, especially in times of uncertainty.”

In fact, exports account for more than $66 in value from each hog marketed, NPPC explained. Meanwhile, pork production supports rural communities, and exports support over 140,000 American jobs.

“American pork producers need certainty and stability – now as much as ever – and NPPC will continue to engage with the administration and international partners to maintain and open new market access for U.S. pork,” NPPC said.

Brazil Sets Monthly Records for Pork and Beef Exports in September

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:43:47 GMT

Brazil posted record monthly shipments of pork and beef in September, driven by strong global demand and market diversification, according to industry and government data released this week.

Brazil, the world’s top beef exporter and among the largest pork exporters, is increasing business with China and Mexico after the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on shipments of several Brazilian goods, including beef, in August.

The U.S. used to be the second biggest market for Brazilian beef, but is not a significant destination for pork.

Pork exports totaled 151,600 tonnes, up 25.9% from a year earlier, with revenue reaching a record $368.4 million, a 29.9% increase, data from pork and chicken lobby ABPA showed.

ABPA expects the trend to continue, projecting pork exports will reach up to 1.45 million tonnes in 2025, up from 1.35 million tonnes in 2024.

Brazil also exported a record 314,700 tonnes of fresh beef in September, up 25.1% year-on-year, according to government trade data.

Exports surged despite steep tariffs imposed by the United States in August, as increased shipments to China, Brazil’s top beef importer, and to Mexico, helped offset lower U.S. demand, according to beef industry group Abiec.

Chicken exports showed signs of recovery after bird flu disruptions earlier this year, with September volumes reaching 482,300 tonnes, the highest monthly figure in 11 months, trade data showed.

Industry leaders expect continued momentum for Brazilian meat exports through year-end, supported by resilient demand and expanding access to strategic markets.

(Reporting by Roberto Samora and editing by Ana Mano; Writing by Isabel Teles; Editing by Richard Chang)

U.S. Pork Sausage Adds New Twist to Korean Pizza Chain's Menu

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:03:10 GMT

A South Korea pizza chain, Pizza Alvolo, was on the search for something new to add to its menu. The solution: U.S. pork sausage!

When Elly Sung, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) senior marketing manager for foodservice in Korea, suggested U.S. pork sausage, the chain settled on Johnsonville pork sausage after extensive product research and taste testing.

Andy Tauer, vice president for international market development at the National Pork Board, says the promotion is a perfect example of how USMEF amplifies the partnership between pork and soy. Tauer sampled the pizza and learned more details about its development on a recent market visit in Korea.

Andy Tauer says the new pizza topping is a hit in the Korean marketplace.

(USMEF)

It’s already a hit with Korean consumers, but Tauer says now is the time to position this pizza topping to get the most bang for the buck in the marketplace.

“It’s only been on market, I think, five to six weeks, but it’s already up to No. 6 for this pizza chain out of, I believe, 20 different pizzas. It’s really performing well,” Tauer says. “It was going to be a special offering. Now they’re going to keep it on the menu through the end of the year.”

Product development and marketing support have been provided by USDA, the United Soybean Board and the National Pork Board, USMEF says in a release.

Imports and Exports

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