US pork export continues to excel

The American pork export remains at a very high level despite slight contraction. In particular, the export to nearby destinations was strong. The export to Asia was predominantly weaker. The American pork export remained nearly stable in August, with a total volume of 236,311 tons, 1% less than a year earlier, accounting for a value of $685.9 million (-2%). The export received a strong boost from Mexico, where the sales increased by 8% to 102,790 tons, marking the fifth strongest month ever. The export value rose by 9% to $252.3 million, the second strongest month ever. For the first eight months, the export is still 3% below the record pace of last year, both in volume (1.93 million tons) and value ($5.48 billion). The main reason for this is weak exports to China. The market was disrupted this spring by increased mutual tariffs and uncertainty about the admission of American slaughterhouses. The situation has since stabilized, and on November 10, China's total tariff on American pork was reduced from 57% to 47%. Strong performance close to home The American pork export to Mexico continues to break records in 2025. From January to August, the export increased by 3% in volume to 781,605 tons and by 6% in value to $1.78 billion, making Mexico once again the most important destination by far. The market is becoming more competitive: Brazilian exports to Mexico increased by 64% by October to nearly 64,000 tons. So far, the United States has been little affected by this. Brazil remains a relatively small player with less than 5% market share, while the United States still holds around 80% of the market. Moreover, the American pork export continues to perform strongly in several Latin American markets. In Central America, shipments in August were again higher, keeping the region on track for a new record. From January to August, the export there increased by 22% to 118,257 tons, while the value rose by 25% to $377.5 million, driven by strong demand from Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. In Colombia, exports fell back in August. The export was 29% lower in both volume (9,418 tons) and value ($28 million) compared to the exceptionally strong figures from last year, but for the first eight months, the country remains on record pace. The export to Colombia grew during that period by 9% to 85,707 tons, good for $245.4 million (+11%). Mixed performance in Asia In various markets, American pork exports in August remained above last year's level, with higher volumes headed to South Korea, the Caribbean, Australia, and the Philippines. On the other hand, exports to China, Japan, Canada, Taiwan, and Hong Kong fell behind. The export generated an average of $67.74 per slaughtered pig in August, an increase of 5% over the year, while the average from January to August was $65.55 per animal, which is 1% lower. In volume, the export represented 31% of the total pork production in August, 2 percentage points more than a year earlier. For meat parts, this share was at 26.3%, about 1 percentage point higher. For the first eight months, the export share came just under 30%, a slight decline compared to last year, while the share of meat parts remained stable at 26.1%.