December 19, 2022

 

US pork exports in October biggest in more than a year

 

 

 

October exports of US pork were the largest in more than a year according to data released by United States Department of Agriculture and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

 

Pork exports reached 238,198 tonnes in October, up 5% from a year ago and the largest since June 2021. Pork export value increased 13% to US$697.3 million, the highest since May 2021. For January through October, pork exports were 12% below last year at 2.18 million tonnes, valued at US$6.26 billion (down 8%).

 

Pork variety meat exports were particularly strong in October at 55,271 tonnes – up 33% from a year ago and the second-largest volume on record. Variety meat export value was record high at US$126.2 million, up 29%.

 

While growth was driven primarily by record exports to China/Hong Kong (37,499 tonnes, up 51% from a year ago), exports also increased significantly to Mexico (11,941 tonnes, the largest since early 2020) and Japan (1,225 tonnes, the largest since 2018). For January through October, global exports of US pork variety meat totaled 426,232 tonnes, down 5% from a year ago (when pork variety meat exports reached the third highest annual total on record), valued at US$1.03 billion (down 1% from last year's record pace).

 

For pork and pork variety meat exports, October was another positive month for leading market Mexico. While exports increased modestly in volume (84,915 tonnes, up 1% year-over-year), export value to Mexico reached a record US$203.1 million – up 41% from a year ago.

 

October pork exports to China/Hong Kong climbed 37% from a year ago to 57,345 tonnes, valued at US$141.3 million (up 39%). While driven in large part by strengthening demand for variety meat, pork muscle cut exports to the region also increased 16% to 19,846 tonnes, valued at US$54.1 million (up 37%).

 

October exports to South Korea increased 25% year-over-year to 12,535 tonnes, while value climbed 26% to US$43.7 million.

 

October exports to the Dominican Republic reached 7,218 tonnes, up 45% from a year ago, while export value increased 59% to US$21.8 million.

 

Exports to Colombia took a step back in October, with shipments declining 32% from last year's large totals in both volume (8,009 tonnes) and value (US$21.4 million).

- USMEF