US pork exports clearly decline

US pork exports fell in November, according to figures from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Strong demand in Mexico, South Korea and Central America helped offset sharply lower shipments to China, where US products face retaliatory tariffs. However, gains elsewhere were not enough to fully make up the shortfall. In November, the United States exported 254,000 tonnes of pork, a decrease of 7% year-on-year. The export value amounted to $720.8 million, a decline of 8% compared to November last year. Nevertheless, November was the third strongest export month of 2025, both in terms of volume and value. Over the period from January to November, U.S. pork exports totaled 2.68 million tonnes, 3% below the record level of 2024. The total export value also decreased by 3% to $7.65 billion. This decline can be almost entirely attributed to lower export volumes of by-products to China. The export of muscle cuts saw a decrease of only 1%. Mexico the main growth market, but for how long? Mexico confirmed its position as the main export market in November. Exports rose by 11% to 111,207 tonnes, while the value increased by 9% to $246.9 million. Over the first eleven months of 2025, the export volume to Mexico was 7% above last year's record pace, with a value increase of 11%. However, the strong exports are not an unqualified success story. The Mexican government has initiated an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation into American hams and shoulders in the lead-up to the revision of the USMCA trade agreement. Central America also remains a market to watch. Although the volume slightly decreased in November, the export value increased by 9%. Guatemala stood out with record volumes and values. From January to November, new annual records were already set in the region, both in volume and value. In South Korea, exports in November increased by 16% compared to a year earlier. This continues an upward trend that has been visible since the summer, although the total figures for 2025 still lag behind last year's level. China remains the weak link Exports to China remain under pressure due to retaliatory tariffs and weak demand. In November, the export volume fell by 40% and the value by 43%. Over the first eleven months of the year, exports to China are over 20% lower than in 2024. Despite this setback, the contribution of exports to total U.S. pork production remained significant. In November, 31.6% of production was destined for export. The average export value per slaughtered pig over the first eleven months of the year remained nearly equal to last year's record level.