US januari pork exports remain impressive

US pork exports increased year on year in January. According to data from the USDA compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) exports were supported by strong demand in Mexico and improved performance in several Asian markets. However, exports fell just short of the record level reached in 2024. Overall performance remained firm despite weaker demand from China.Total pork exports reached 250,861 tonnes, up 3% compared with a year earlier, while export value increased 4% to $692.1 million. Growth was driven not only by Mexico but also by higher shipments to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, ASEAN and Taiwan. Export returns improved overall. Pork export value averaged $62.07 per head slaughtered in January, up 6.5% compared with a year earlier. Exports accounted for 28.5% of total pork production and 24.9% of muscle cuts, both higher than the respective January 2025 ratios of 27.1% and 23.8%.Mexico remained the dominant market. Exports rose 3% year on year to 107,902 tonnes in January, while value increased 8% to $238.7 million. The market continues to play a central role in overall export performance, although potential risks remain due to ongoing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations into US pork hams and shoulders.Asian results remain strong Despite ongoing trade tensions between the two countries, performance in China remained relatively resilient. While beef exports have dropped to almost zero, US pork exports to China declined by just 6% to 34,461 tonnes. Meanwhile exports to Taiwan increased sharply from a low base, rising 181% year on year to 1,346 tonnes, while value more than tripled to $3.6 million, up 205%. A recently announced reciprocal trade agreement between the US and Taiwan is expected to improve market access, although the new terms have not yet been implemented.Exports to Japan recorded a strong increase. January exports totalled 27,910 tonnes, up 22% year on year and the highest level since May, while value rose 14% to $103.8 million. Ongoing discussions on a reciprocal trade agreement between the US and Japan are not expected to affect current market access but could strengthen broader trade relations. South Korea continued its recent upward trend, with exports increasing for the seventh consecutive month. January volumes rose 3% year on year to 16,691 tonnes, while value increased 9% to $57.5 million. This growth occurred despite increased availability of lower-priced Spanish pork.Strong exports to the Americas Exports to Colombia recovered after slowing towards the end of 2025. Shipments increased 16% year on year to 9,853 tonnes, with value rising 13% to $30 million. The market has developed beyond raw material imports, with a growing share of higher-value, processed products. In Central America, exports edged slightly higher following a record year in 2025. January shipments rose 1% to 14,651 tonnes, while value increased 2% to $47.6 million, supported in part by demand in Honduras.The Dominican Republic also recorded strong growth. Exports increased 25% year on year to 8,108 tonnes, while value rose 26% to $24.2 million. Demand remains firm despite increased competition from Brazil and ongoing domestic production challenges linked to African swine fever. Shipments to Canada also expanded, increasing 6% in volume to 16,243 tonnes and 7% in value to $63.1 million.Variety meat performance and China Global variety meat exports rose 6% year on year to 47,129 tonnes, supported by increased shipments to Mexico, the Philippines, Canada, Guatemala, South Korea and the Dominican Republic. However, total export value declined 3% to $97.3 million, largely due to lower returns from China.China remained the largest destination for US pork variety meats despite ongoing trade tensions. January exports to China increased 3% in volume to 24,139 tonnes, although value declined 11% to $52 million.