March 7, 2025

USMEF: US pork exports to Central America hit record in volume and value last year

US pork exports to Central America were record-large in 2024, breaking previous highs in both volume and value, according to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Lucia Ruano, USMEF representative in the region, said consumer education programmes, made possible through support from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Pork Board, have helped position US pork as a high-quality, center-of-the-plate protein.

"We have been doing a lot of education in order to position US pork as another option for the center of the plate protein," said Ruano. "And we are trying to improve its image as a very good protein with a lot of nutrients, easy to handle, versatility, delicious flavor. We can also see right now these proteins available at retail stores, specifically all the cuts that we can have from the loin, for example a cowboy, a ribeye, a strip loin. All of these cuts that we have from the loin, they are not only affordable, but they have a very good flavor if you cook them and handle them in the correct way."

The record performance for US pork was achieved despite some obstacles in Panama, which has imposed a cap on pork imports that is inconsistent with its obligations under the US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. Ruano said this has frustrated importers and led to some product shortages, including pork ribs sought by restaurant chains.

US pork has full, duty-free access to all other Central American countries under the Central America-Dominican Republic-US Free Trade Agreement.

"Countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, they all have zero tariffs since they are part of the free trade agreement," Ruano said. "We are struggling a little bit in Panama still, because domestic producers are a very strong association, and they have been putting a lot of pressure in the government and certain policies.

"Last year, we had a problem of shortage. There's a lot of USA chains in Panama, like Tony Roma's, for example, and they were able to have their signature plate, the ribs - they were able to have them during the last quarter of the year. None of the domestic producers were able to supply the product."

In 2024, pork exports to Central America increased 21% year-over-year, reaching 166,000 metric tons. Export value climbed 29% to US$523 million.

- USMEF