US record pork exports continue through September

US pork export levels continued to exceed expectations through the first nine months of the year according to data released by the US Meat Export Federation as it sustains its record pork exports from August, skyrocketing 61 percent in September from year ago.  

US pork and variety meat exports for the month totalled 163,055 tonnes, just shy of 360 million pounds, valued at US$425.5 million. Year-to-date, pork exports are up 70 percent in volume versus 2007 to 1.5 million tonnes or 3.4 billion pounds, valued at US$3.6 billion - a 64 percent increase. 

Japan is now the top market in volume and value for the year at 335,671 tonnes or 740 million pounds valued at US$1.1 billion, increases of 26 and 32 percent, respectively. Exports in September were 38 percent higher than last year, totalling 36,394 tonnes or 80.2 million pounds. 

Mexico was the second-biggest destination overall for US Pork in September with exports totalling 29,575 tonnes or 65.2 million pounds, up 43 percent from a year ago and putting the January through September total at 267,230 tonnes or 589.1 million pounds - a 36 percent hike, valued at US$474.5 million, a 48 percent increase.  

The Hong Kong/China region continued to be the second-largest market with exports up 214 percent to 330,601 tonnes or 728.8 million pounds, valued at US$572 million, registering a 268 percent jump.  

Russia ranked third among US pork markets in September with exports totalling 27,157 tonnes or 59.9 million pounds, near the record of 28,000 tonnes or 61.7 million pounds set the prior month. For the 2008 calendar year, exports to Russia stand at 168,603 tonnes or 371.7 million pounds, valued at US$365 million, posting an increase of of 185 and 194 percent, respectively.