Antidumping and Countervailing Duties Target U.S. Pork
Mexico has launched a formal investigation into U.S. pork imports, alleging that unfair pricing and government subsidies may be harming its domestic pork industry. The action follows complaints from Mexican pork producers, processors, and trade groups who claim imports of U.S. hams and pork shoulders have surged and are being sold below fair market value, placing downward pressure on local prices and reducing profitability.
On December 15, Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy initiated both an antidumping and countervailing duty investigation. The review will examine potential dumping and subsidy activity during 2024, while assessing injury to Mexico’s pork sector from January 1, 2022, through 2024. The countervailing duty portion will evaluate alleged federal and state-level support programs benefiting U.S. pork producers.
Under World Trade Organization rules, a country may impose trade remedies if it determines that imports are being dumped or subsidized and that such practices cause material harm to domestic industries. Should Mexican authorities reach that conclusion, they could apply antidumping or countervailing duties, typically on a prospective basis after a preliminary ruling.
If an unfavorable decision is issued, U.S. producers or the U.S. government would have the option to challenge the ruling through dispute settlement mechanisms under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or the WTO.
Mexico represents a critical market for U.S. pork, supported by decades-long trade relationships focused on supplying high-quality products. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is working closely with legal, economic, and government affairs experts to develop a coordinated response. The organization has prior experience navigating trade disputes in Mexico and other countries and is engaging with officials on both sides of the border.
The stakes are high: Mexico is the largest export destination for U.S. pork, importing about 1.15 million metric tons valued at nearly $2.6 billion in 2024. Any new tariffs could significantly reduce exports and negatively impact U.S. pork producers’ revenues.
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