US pork imports were almost 69 million pounds in June, nearly 20 percent lower than in June 2007, according to the USDA.

For the first half of 2008, imports were almost 15 percent lower than in the same period last year.

The cheap dollar making imports more expensive and abundant pork supplies at home were likely to have driven imports down.

Pork imports from Canada, one of the chief suppliers, were also affected due to high gas prices involved in transporting the meat to the US. 

US pork imports are expected to be lower in the second half of 2008, and for 2009 as well.

Second-half 2008 imports are likely to run almost 7 percent below the second half of 2007. Total imports for 2008 are forecast at 862 million pounds, almost 11 percent below 2007 imports.

Next year, imports are expected to be 850 million pounds, about 1.4 percent below this year's level.