March 19, 2026

US pork exports higher year-on-year in January

US pork exports trended higher year-over-year in January, led by another outstanding performance from leading market Mexico, according to data released by US Department of Agriculture and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

January beef exports were lower than a year ago due to the prolonged lockout in China, but export value per head of fed slaughter was more than US$415 – the highest since March and reflecting solid demand in other markets. Beef variety meats were a major bright spot, with export value topping the previous monthly high reached in December.

January pork exports totaled 250,861 metric tonnes, up 3% from a year ago, while value increased 4% to $692.1 million. In addition to Mexico, exports were larger year-over-year to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, ASEAN and Taiwan.

"Very impressive start to the year for US pork in Mexico and other Western Hemisphere markets, but strengthening demand in Asian destinations is especially encouraging," said USMEF president and chief executive officer Dan Halstrom. "The US industry continues to capitalise on consumers' growing demand for convenience-oriented products at both retail and foodservice, and this is reflected in our recent export results."

Beef exports totaled 92,558 mt in January, down 10% year-over-year. But value fell just 3% to $780.1 million, as exports have commanded higher prices. However, prices are still not being maximised to the degree that would be possible with China back in the mix.

When excluding China from the January results, exports increased 5% in volume and climbed 16% in value. January beef shipments trended higher year-over-year to South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Caribbean, ASEAN and South America, with export value also increasing to Mexico, Canada, and Central America.

Beef variety meat exports were especially strong in January, increasing 6% from a year ago to 27,511 mt (the largest in more than four years), while value soared 46% to a record $126 million.

"Beef variety meat value reaching new heights for the second consecutive month is great news for cattle producers and for the entire supply chain," Halstrom said. "With cattle numbers being tight, it is more critical than ever to maximise the value of every animal. And while much of this export growth was driven by tongues and skirts going to Japan, demand was strong in a wide range of markets."

- USMEF