US Pork Exports Up 13% In January

Pork exports in January were 236,767 metric tons (t), up 13% year-over-year, with the EXPORT value up 16% to $643.4 million.

Exports to Mexico, which ended 2022 at an impressive pace on their way to an annual record, set another volume record in January. Export volume for the month was a record 96,800 tons, up 11% from a year ago and 7% above the previous December 2022 high. The value of exports in January rose by 40% to $191.2 million. Demand for U.S. pork is on the rise despite it facing increased competition in Mexico due to the suspension of import duties on all eligible suppliers until the end of 2023. Mexico has also recently opened up to some imports from Brazil.

Pork exports to the Dominican Republic also remained strong in January, rising 28% year-on-year to 8,185 tons, while the value of exports jumped 67% to $23.8 million.

While pork production in CHINA has rebounded from an ASF-driven slump, demand is expected to pick up slightly in 2023 as importers and consumers respond to the recent lifting of COVID-related restrictions and central and provincial governments move to revive the economy. China /Hong Kong pork exports reached 46,315 tons in January , up 31% from last year's low of $121.8 million (up 25%).

Exports also increased significantly year-over-year to Japan (+8)%, CANADA (+19%), Honduras (+39%) and the ASEAN region (+46%).