June 12, 2008

US pork exports rise 52 percent on-year
   
  

Total pork exports for the first four months of 2008 jumped 52 percent on-year to 1.38 billion pounds, valued at US$1.4 billion.

Japan is the top market with year-to-date sales at 319.5 million pounds, valued at US$460 million. The China/Hong Kong market followed closely with 319.2 million pounds with a value of US$243.5 million.

Pork exports accounted for 22 percent of total US pork production through April, up 5.5 percent on-year, according to Erin Daley, manager of Research and Analysis of US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

In April, US pork also reached 387.2 million pounds at a value of US$391.5 million, surpassing February's record of 346 million pounds by nearly 12 percent.

Pork exports estimate for 2008 was reduced slightly but exports are still expected to be 36 percent higher than 2007.

Pork production estimates for 2008 and 2009 were also reduced slightly due to lower live hog imports from Canada and lower US production in response to high grain prices.

Pork supplies are projected to drop by about 1 pound per capita to 49.6 pounds in 2009.