U.S. Pork Exports Surge 21% in Central America
In 2024, U.S. pork exports to Central America set new records in both volume and value, surpassing previous highs.
According to Lucia Ruano, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative for the region, consumer education initiatives supported by the USDA and the National Pork Board have been instrumental in promoting U.S. pork as a premium protein choice.
Despite this success, exports to Panama faced challenges due to an import cap that conflicts with the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement.
Ruano noted that this restriction has caused frustration among importers and has even led to shortages of certain products, such as pork ribs popular in restaurant chains.
Elsewhere in Central America, U.S. pork enjoys full, duty-free access under the Central America-Dominican Republic-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
This has helped drive growth, with exports rising 21% year-over-year to 166,000 metric tons. The export value also surged 29%, reaching $523 million. These figures highlight the increasing demand for U.S. pork across the region, reinforcing its strong market position.