December 18, 2023

 

US' October pork exports increased 3% year-on-year

 

 

US pork exports posted another strong performance in October, led by record-large shipments to Mexico and broad-based growth elsewhere, according to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

 

Based on data released by the US Department of Agriculture and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), October pork exports totaled 245,345 metric tonnes, up 3% year-over-year and the largest since June, valued at US$688.2 million – down 2% from a year ago.

 

For the first 10 months of 2023, pork exports increased 9% from a year ago to 2.38 million metric tonnes, with value up 6% to US$6.66 billion.

 

US pork exports to leading market Mexico reached a record 100,867 metric tonnes, soaring 19% from a year ago, while value climbed 9% to a record US$221.1 million. January-October shipments to Mexico increased 13% over last year's record pace to 895,221 metric tonnes, with value up 16% to US$1.9 billion.

 

October pork exports to Colombia totaled 10,856 metric tonnes, up 35% from a year ago and the largest since June 2022. Export value climbed 42% to US$30.4 million, the highest since November 2021 and third highest on record.

 

While January-October exports to Colombia remained 11% below last year at 76,402 metric tonnes, export value edged 1% higher to US$207.9 million.

 

Led by record shipments to Guatemala and robust growth in Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador, US pork exports to Central America continued to gain momentum in October, soaring 35% from a year ago in volume (13,722 metric tonnes) and 37% in value (US$42.2 million). January-October exports to the region were 12% higher at 102,783 metric tonnes, while value increased 18% to US$301 million.

 

October exports to South Korea totaled 13,427 metric tonnes, up 6% from a year ago and the largest since June, while value was up 5% to US$46.8 million.

 

October shipments to the Dominican Republic totaled 8,532 metric tonnes, the highest since April.

 

Pork exports to Japan are trending lower in 2023, including a 15% decline in October to 24,080 metric tonnes.

 

While pork muscle cut exports to China/Hong Kong are also trending lower (down 9% through October to 149,144 metric tonnes), pork variety meat exports to the region remain 4% above last year's record pace at 280,682 metric tonnes, valued at US$720.4 million (up 6%).

 

- USMEF