January 23, 2013

International sales of US pork are approaching a second-consecutive year of record volume and value as sales have exceeded two million tonnes.

The key value market is Japan. Through the 11 months reported, sales of US pork to Japan has reached 424,529 tonnes (935.9 million pounds) valued at US$1.85 billion. With another month to go, Japan is projected to be the first export market to buy in excess of US$2 billion of American pork in a single year.

The value of pork exports to Japan are a key to maintaining the premiums that American producers see from global pork exports.  Through November, the value of all US pork exports (muscle cuts and variety meat) equals US$56.12 per head processed.

Currently, US product accounts for 45% of the volume of all pork imported in Japan.