US pork exports remained strong in February

US pork exports were strong again in February, continuing their upward trend. However, weak performance in the Chinese market continues to weigh on overall results.Pork exports from the US recorded a modest year-on-year increase in February, according to data released by the USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Total exports reached 242,511 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, while export value edged 1% higher to $678.8 million.Strong performance in Latin America Mexico, the leading market for US pork, delivered another outstanding performance in February, with shipments rising 4.5% year-on-year to 97,357 mt. Export value increased 9% to $220.7 million. For January through February, exports to Mexico rose 4% in volume to 205,329 mt and 8% in value to $459.4 million.Exports to Central America also grew significantly, led by Honduras and Costa Rica. February shipments reached 16,144 mt, up 14% year-on-year, with value increasing 23% to $53.1 million. Through February, exports to the region rose 7% in volume to 30,795 mt and 12% in value to $100.7 million. The Dominican Republic also recorded strong growth, with January through February exports increasing 21% in volume to 17,506 mt and 18% in value to $51.6 million.In contrast, exports to Colombia declined in February, falling 19% in volume to 8,485 mt and 17% in value to $24.9 million. For the year to date, shipments to Colombia were down 3% in both volume to 18,338 mt and value to $52.9 million.Mixed results in Asia In Asia, results were mixed. Japan showed a notable rebound. February exports increased 20% year-on-year to 28,138 mt, while value rose 13% to $107.7 million, the highest level since October. For the first two months of the year, exports to Japan climbed 21% in volume to 55,328 mt and 14% in value to $211.5 million.South Korea continued its steady growth trend, marking the eighth consecutive month of year-on-year gains. February exports increased 4% to 18,584 mt, with value up 8% to $61 million. January through February results mirrored this trend, also rising 4% in volume to 35,545 mt and 8% in value to $118.5 million. Taiwan posted a sharp rebound, albeit from a low base. Exports nearly tripled year-on-year through February, reaching 2,735 mt, up 175%, with value at $7 million, up 162%. A newly announced reciprocal trade agreement is expected to further support US pork exports once implemented.China, however, remained a weak spot. Total pork exports to China declined 12% year-on-year to 65,553 mt, while value dropped 23% to $138.5 million. Pork variety meat exports to China also fell, down 6% in volume and 21% in value, reflecting ongoing challenges from retaliatory tariffs, ample domestic supply, and sluggish demand. Export value and production share increase Pork export value averaged $67.28 per head slaughtered in February, up 2% from a year ago. For January through February, the average rose 4% to $64.55. Exports accounted for 30.7% of total February pork production and 26.7% of muscle cuts, both slightly higher than a year earlier. Year to date, exports represented 29.5% of total production and 25.7% of muscle cuts, also up from 2025 levels.