Pork exports from the US in May were the highest in two years

Pork exports in May reached 261,361 metric tons (t), up 16% from a year ago, the ninth highest on record and the highest since May 2021. The value of exports rose 12% to $731.1 million, also the highest since May 2021 and the seventh highest. 

In the first five months of the year, pork exports were 14% higher than last year's pace and amounted to 1.22 million tons worth $3.35 billion (an increase of 13%).

Pork exports to Mexico's leading market held a record in May, up 21% year-over-year to 96,811 tons and up 16% in value to $198.9 million. This increased the volume of exports from January to May to 447,081 tons, up 13% from a year ago, and the value increased by 24% to $890.1 million. While the majority of Mexico's pork shipments are cuts - either for further processing or as commodities for retail and catering in Mexico - Mexico's demand for different varieties of pork has also increased this year. In May, shipments of various types of MEAT increased by 46% to 64,232 tons worth $111.4 million (up 40%).

Pork exports to SOUTH KOREA totaled 21,182 tons in May, up 25% from a year ago. The value of exports increased 21% to $73.4 million, the highest in more than five years and the fourth highest on record. In May, exports to Korea rose 15% year-on-year to 87,577 tons worth $283.5 million (a 6% increase). American pork enters Korea at zero duty in accordance with an agreement between Korea and the United States . The Free Trade Agreement allowed the US to achieve this growth despite the influx of Canadian, Mexican and Brazilian pork.  Pork imports from the EUto Korea decreased by 23% in January-May, and this decline was not fully offset by strong growth from the US, CANADA, Mexico and Brazil.