New U.S. trade deals strengthen pork market rules in El Salvador and Guatemala
The United States recently finalized new reciprocal trade agreements with El Salvador and Guatemala aimed at strengthening agricultural trade and improving export opportunities. These agreements were welcomed by the National Pork Producers Council, which represents pork producers across the country.
El Salvador and Guatemala were already part of the 2004 U.S.–Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement. However, the newly concluded agreements provide updated rules that further support predictable and fair trade. The two countries signed their agreements with the United States in late January after negotiating a framework deal in November.
A key feature of the agreements is the treatment of sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Both countries agreed that food safety rules must be based on science and risk assessments. If such measures create trade barriers, they must be removed. In addition, El Salvador and Guatemala cannot introduce or maintain food safety requirements that conflict with U.S. or international standards.
Under the new terms, El Salvador will continue to apply a 15% tariff on goods sent to the United States, while Guatemala will maintain a 10% duty. Despite these tariffs, the agreements offer major benefits for U.S. pork exports by reducing regulatory obstacles and improving market certainty.
For pork trade specifically, both countries agreed to recognize U.S. food safety systems as meeting their domestic requirements. They will accept the United States Department of Agriculture official list of approved U.S. pork processing facilities and will not require extra registration steps for U.S. meat processors. They will also accept the USDA Export Certificate of Wholesomeness, including digital versions, without demanding additional certificates.
The National Pork Producers Council stated it will continue encouraging the Trump administration to pursue trade agreements that expand agricultural exports.
These deals matter because exports are vital to the U.S. pork industry. In 2024, pork exports exceeded $8.6 billion, adding more than $66 in value for each hog marketed. Exports account for about one quarter of total U.S. pork production each year and support over 140,000 American jobs.
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