U.S. Pork Exports Decline in June as Offal Shipments Fall
U.S. pork exports weakened in June compared with the same month last year, primarily because shipments of pork variety meat fell sharply following temporary import restrictions linked to pseudorabies concerns.
According to USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), June pork exports reached 224,822 metric tons, down 6% year over year. Export value declined 9% to $624.5 million. Although shipments of muscle cuts were only slightly lower, variety meat exports dropped 21%, accounting for most of the overall decline.
Mexico and Colombia had temporarily suspended imports of U.S. pork offal in early May. Colombia lifted the restrictions in early July, followed by Mexico in mid-July.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom noted that both countries have now removed the pseudorabies-related restrictions. However, exporters continue to encounter longer clearance times in China because of increased inspections.
Despite the temporary disruptions, Mexico remained an important destination for U.S. pork in June. Shipments were lower than the exceptionally high levels recorded a year earlier.
Exports increased compared with June 2025 to Japan, Colombia, Central America and the Dominican Republic.
For the first six months of 2026, U.S. pork exports totaled 1.51 million metric tons, an increase of 4% from the previous year. Export value also rose 3% to $4.22 billion.
Shipments to Mexico were slightly below last year, although export value remained near the record pace established in 2025. Meanwhile, U.S. pork exports reached record levels in Central America and the Dominican Republic, while shipments to Japan posted significant gains.
USMEF has published a detailed review of January-June U.S. pork export performance, including individual market highlights.
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