US pork exports continue to rise

While a recovery in China's pig population has led to a decline in pork MEAT exports in 2021, Chinese demand for American pork remains extremely strong and continues to play a key role in maximizing carcass value.

During August, pork exports to CHINA /Hong Kong increased by 23% to 231,283 tons worth $558 million (up 29%). With pork shipments also trending higher in Mexico, Southeast Asia, Central and South America and Oceania, EXPORT value reaches record levels of $848.8 million, up 26% from a year ago and up 11% than in the peak year of 2017, according to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

 Growth in several other markets helped offset an expected slowdown in exports to China. From January to August, exports were 1.5% higher than last year at just over 2 million tons, while the value rose 10% to $5.62 billion, USMEF said.

Mexico remains the top market for U.S. swine, with exports reaching 80,779 tons in August, up 47% from a year ago and slightly surpassing the previous record set in December 2016. Export value more than doubled to $162.4 million (up 109%). . In August, exports to Mexico were up 25% year-on-year at 543,550 tons, with a value up 56% to $1.1 billion. Exports are at a record pace, with January-August deliveries up 4% in volume and 12% in value compared to 2017, the peak year for pork exports to Mexico.