Pork exports from the United States to Mexico are growing

"Labour, transportation hurdles and high manufacturing costs throughout the supply chain are making it difficult to meet the global demand for U.S. red MEAT," the USMEF president warned.

U.S. pork exports to Mexico continued to gain momentum in November at 87,440 tons, up 34% from a year ago, with a value up 23% to $152.1 million. In January-November, exports to Mexico amounted to 794,597 tons, up 29% from the annual record reached in 2017 (802,000 tons). The value of exports has already set a new annual record of $1.54 billion, up 51% from a year ago, according to the US Meat EXPORT Federation (USMEF).

Demand for US pork continues to rise in Central America, where exports have already set new annual volume and value records during October. In November, thanks to strong growth in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica, exports rose 30% to 13,887 tons worth $39.8 million (up 49%). From January to November, exports to the region jumped 45% year-over-year to 124,879 tons, with a value up 62% to $339.2 million.

After a difficult 2020, Colombian pork exports have rebounded sharply, surpassing pre-COVID-19 2019 rates . November exports to Colombia were 14,094 tons, up 85% from a year ago, with a value up 94% to $34.2 million. In November, exports increased by 62% year-on-year to 96,751 tons worth $235.3 million (up 81% and a new yearly record).

Demand was also strong in Asia as SOUTH KOREA and Japan increased US pork purchases from levels reached in the first 11 months of 2020. Due in part to rising retail demand for chilled pork, exports to Korea recovered momentum in 2021. In November, exports increased by 7% year-on-year to 152,309 tons, while the value rose 22% to $502.8 million.

During November, exports to Japan were 3% above last year's pace at 362,501 tons, with a value up 4% to $1.55 billion. Chilled pork exports to Japan rose 4% to 197,177 tons worth $963 million.