April 24, 2006

Pork bellies generate largest premium for US producers

Pork bellies, loins and butts were the 3 most popular parts exported, according to a study by the USMEF.

The study, "Pork Export Value" estimated total export premiums were US$270.6 million in 2004, the year figures were studied.

The study also found the items generating the largest premiums for US producers were bellies ( volume ot 61,000 tonnes), loins (at 129,485 tonnes), butts (at 40,428 tonnes), tenderloins (at 25,138 tonnes), and picnics (at 168,855 tonnes).

Premiums for these five cuts represented 74 percent of the total export premium generated in 2004.

The study also estimated that in 2004 the US exported the "pork equivalent" of 10.862 million hogs worth US$22.64 more per head than their domestic counterparts.