May 20, 2009

Exports of US pork registered a solid performance in March, led by extremely strong pork sales to Mexico.

Pork plus pork variety meat exports rose 16 percent in volume and 17 percent in value over March 2008.

Compared to the first quarter of 2008, pork exports have risen by 8 percent in volume to 489,348 tonnes and by 10 percent in value to US$1.12 billion. More than 23 percent of first quarter pork and variety meat production was exported.

Total US pork exports to Mexico in March was 45,741 tonnes, nearly doubled in volume from a year ago and rose 76 percent in value to US$65.2 million. For the first quarter of 2009, exports to Mexico increased 74 percent in volume to 136,898 tonnes and by 66 percent in value to US$204.7 million.

This performance is remarkable considering the sluggish economic conditions in Mexico, though these results do not reflect the economic slowdown Mexico has endured over the past few weeks due to AH1N1 flu.

However, US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic Chad Russell said a significant rebuilding project is underway with regard to pork demand and consumer activity in general, but these numbers show that US pork has a solid following and will bounce back quickly.

Japan continues to be the mainstay value market for US pork, with first quarter exports rising 13 percent in volume to 119,445 tonnes and by 26 percent in value to US$424 million. March results reflected a slowdown, however, as pork exports rose just 1 percent in value over a year ago while slipping by 3.5 percent in volume.

Pork exports to the China-Hong Kong region have declined by 36 percent compared to the first quarter of 2008, with exports to Russia declining 38 percent in volume and 44 percent in value. These declines have been largely offset, however, by growth in Taiwan, the ASEAN region, the Caribbean, Australia and Central and South America.