US pork exports fell slightly amid weaker Chinese demand

US pork exports declined modestly in 2025 but remained historically high in both volume and value, according to USDA data compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The figures point to a shift in market dynamics, with stronger demand in the Americas offsetting weaker performance in China.Total pork exports reached 2.94 million tonnes in 2025, down 3% from the 2024 record and slightly below 2020 levels. Export value also fell 3% year-on-year to $8.4 billion, although this still represents the second-highest annual value on record. Monthly data show a similar pattern. December exports totalled 257,846 tonnes, a 3.5% decline compared with a year earlier, while value decreased 3% to $746 million.On the product side, December variety meat exports rose 9% year-on-year to 49,789 tonnes, with value up 3% to $104.8 million. However, full-year figures remained lower due to reduced Chinese demand. In terms of industry returns, export value per head slaughtered averaged $65.47 in 2025, down 1.6% from the previous year. Exports accounted for 29.6% of total pork production and 26.1% of muscle cuts, both slightly lower than in 2024.Mexico remains largest marketShipments to Mexico continued to expand, with December exports rising 7% year-on-year to 113,819 tonnes and value increasing 8% to $276 million. On an annual basis, exports to Mexico reached 1.236 million tonnes, up 7%, while value climbed 10% to $2.85 billion. Mexico accounted for a significant share of overall export growth, including increased demand for pork variety meats.Exports to Central America and the Caribbean also increased, reaching 182,249 tonnes (+10%) and 132,697 tonnes (+4%) respectively. In value terms, these markets recorded gains of 13% and 10%. Over a longer period, shipments to Central America have risen substantially, reflecting sustained growth in demand. Meanwhile, Colombia remained relatively stable, with exports down less than 1% in volume at 124,031 tonnes, while value increased 2% to $365.4 million.Mixed results in Asian markets In contrast, exports to China declined sharply. Total shipments fell 21% year-on-year to 367,416 tonnes, while export value dropped 23% to $857.5 million. The decline reflects a combination of retaliatory tariffs and weaker import demand. Given that more than 70% of US pork exports to China consist of variety meats, the contraction had a noticeable impact on overall variety meat exports, which fell 7% in volume and 9% in value over the year.Other Asian markets showed mixed results. Exports to South Korea decreased 4% in volume to 206,631 tonnes and 8% in value to $667.1 million, despite stronger shipments in the second half of the year. Japan recorded a larger decline, with exports falling 8% in volume to 310,864 tonnes and 11% in value to $1.24 billion. By contrast, exports to Taiwan increased from a low base, supported by recent trade developments.