Pork export US remains strong

The American export of pork has once again taken a step up in October. In particular, the export to Mexico fuels this growth, as shown by new figures from the USDA, collected and analyzed by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The export to Japan and South Korea also increased. Only a decline in exports to China formed a blemish on the export. In October, the total American pork export amounted to 264,657 tons, an increase of 5% compared to a year earlier. The export value rose to $762.1 million, an increase of 7%. Both the volume and the value of the export were at the highest level since March. The growth was primarily driven by strong demand from Mexico, supplemented by increases to Central America, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. The trade war is still somewhat evident in the results for the first ten months of 2025. During that period, the export reached a level of 2.43 million tons. This is 2% below the record pace of 2024. The export value also decreased by 2% to $6.93 billion. The difference from last year is largely attributable to a significant decline in trade with China, where exports fell by 20%. The export value in October amounted to $64.44 per slaughtered pig, 8% higher than a year earlier. The average from January to October was $65.09 per animal, just slightly less than 1% lower than in the same period of 2024. The export accounted for 28.8% of the total American pork production and 25.6% of the cuts. A year earlier, those figures were 27.6% and 23.8% respectively. From January to October, the export share stood at 29.6% of total production, slightly lower than last year, while the share of cuts increased to 25.9%. Mexico breaks records and again surpasses the 1 million ton markMexico remained by far the most important market in October, and the growth of exports to that market was again significant. Exports to the country rose to 123,058 tons, 25% higher than a year earlier. This surpassed the previous monthly record from April 2024 by 14%. The export value amounted to $289 million, an increase of 33% year-on-year and 11% above the previous record from September 2025. In the first ten months of 2025, deliveries to Mexico increased to 1.01 million tons, 7% above the record pace of a year earlier. The value climbed by 11% to $2.33 billion. Thus, the 1 million ton mark has been reached for the third consecutive year already before the end of the year, and $2 billion is surpassed for the fourth consecutive year. Central America also showed strong expansion in October. Exports to the region increased by 19% to 17,340 tons, while the value was 26% higher at $59 million. In particular, Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica drove the growth. Honduras achieved a monthly record with exports of 6,085 tons, 21% more than a year earlier. Guatemala also recorded a record with 4,102 tons, an increase of 35%. From January to October, exports to Central America were 20% above the record pace of last year with 149,111 tons. The export value increased by 23% to $481 million. This month, exports to the northern neighbors of the U.S. were also strong. Canada experienced a resurgence in October with 17,778 tons, 6% higher than a year earlier. The value increased by 14% to $72 million. The improvement follows the restoration of full market access on September 1, when Canada lifted a tariff of 25% on American sausage products. Over the first ten months, exports to Canada were still 14% lower in volume at 148,790 tons and 11% lower in value at $617.3 million. Recovery of exports to South Korea and JapanAfter a weaker first half of 2025, South Korea showed growth in October for the fourth consecutive month. Exports increased by 12% to 12,563 tons, with a value of $41.3 million, 8% higher. However, from January to October, exports to Korea remain lower than last year, with 171,045 tons, 6% lower, and an export value of $553.1 million, 11% lower than the record pace of 2024. Exports to Japan also showed some recovery. In October, the volume increased by 5% to 27,000 tons, the highest level since May. The export value remained stable at $108 million. From January to October, exports to Japan still fell by 8% in volume to 262,083 tons and 11% in value to $1.05 billion. The temporary suspension of Spanish deliveries to Japan due to African swine fever may give the American export extra space in the coming months. China remains the weak linkDespite substantial exports, China continued to hold back total exports in 2025. The Chinese tariff on American pork and many by-products was for a long time at 57%, peaking at 172% in April and May. In early November, the tariff was lowered to 47%. At the same time, consumption is under pressure, and domestic production in China is at a record high. From January to October, American exports to China amounted to 314,955 tons, 20% less than in the same period of 2024. The export value also decreased by 20% to $721.8 million.