May 25, 2026

 

US pork finds major destinations in Central America and Dominican Republic

 

 

Fueled by rising incomes, booming tourism, and favorable access through the Central America-Dominican Republic-US Free Trade Agreement and the US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement, Central America and the Dominican Republic have developed into major destinations for US pork.

 

Momentum continues to build in 2026, as first-quarter pork shipments to the region climbed 15% from a year ago to 78,271 metric tonnes, valued at US$246.1 million (up 18%).

 

Highlights include:

 

    - March pork exports to the DR soared 50% above last year, setting a value record of US$35.8 million. March volume to the DR was the second largest on record at 12,478 mt;

 

    - First-quarter shipments to the DR climbed 31% to just under 30,000 mt, valued at US$87.4 million (up 29%);

 

    - Following a record performance in 2025, first-quarter pork exports to Central America topped 48,000 mt (up 7%), valued at US$158.7 million (up 12%);

 

    - While first-quarter exports to leading Central American destination Honduras trended higher, growth was also driven by robust demand in Costa Rica, Panama and El Salvador.

 

In the Dominican Republic, Brazilian pork gained access in 2023 and the following year, Brazil's exports to the DR swelled to nearly 15,000 mt. But shipments were down sharply last year, with Brazil reporting exports to the DR of 7,143 mt. This trend continued in the first quarter of 2026, as Brazil's exports to the DR were down 30% year-over-year to 2,195 mt. Domestic production in the DR continues to struggle with the impact of African swine fever, while per-capita pork consumption remains on the rise.

 

Central America will be a major focus for the US Meat Export Federation when its members gather in Oklahoma City for the USMEF Spring Conference on May 20-22.

 

At the May 20 opening general session, guest speaker Ricardo Zúñiga, founding partner of Dinámica Americas, will offer an economic and diplomatic overview of the region and examine issues that are more and more critical to U.S. exporters as their business in Central America expands.

 

"For the past several years, red meat exports to Central America have been building momentum across the retail, foodservice, and processing sectors, and the region has emerged as a rising star," explained USMEF president and chief executive officer Dan Halstrom. "But this session is designed to take a deeper dive into the economic and political situation in Central America, the stability of our trade relations and free trade agreements in the region, and other issues of concern to USMEF members. Last year, the U.S. shipped US$800 million in red meat to Central America – about US$600 million in pork and US$200 million in beef. The trendlines suggest this could soon be a US$1 billion market for our industry, so it certainly commands a high level of interest and attention."

 

One of the successful strategies for expanding US pork demand in Central America has been to educate chefs, restaurateurs and other key decision makers about the quality, value and versatility of the US pork loin. USMEF recently partnered with SaborUSA – a marketing campaign conducted by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service – on an instructional masterclass for culinary students at the Panama International Hotel School in Panama City.

 

Noted Chef Alonso Williams addressed food safety practices, explored various cooking techniques and discussed international cooking trends while showcasing the quality and versatility of US pork loin. USMEF Regional Director Gerardo Rodriguez and Central America Representative Lucia Ruano addressed students' questions about US pork production and quality. The masterclass was made possible with support from USDA and the National Pork Board.

 

- USMEF