Exports of US pork trended lower in May, due primarily to steep declines in shipments to China, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
In April and the first half of May, China’s total tariff rate on US pork peaked at 172%. Even following a May 14 joint announcement temporarily easing tariffs for 90 days, China’s rates still stand at 57% for US pork.
“The situation with China obviously had a severe impact on May exports, underscoring the importance of diversification and further development of alternative markets,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The need for progress in the US-China trade negotiations is extremely urgent because tariffs could soar again on Aug. 12. This deadline is already impacting exporters’ decisions about whether to continue producing for the Chinese market. On the bright side, amid all this uncertainty, demand for US red meat remains robust in many key regions.”
May pork exports totalled 224,162 metric tons (mt), down 11% from a year ago, while value fell 10% to $646.5 million. These were the lowest monthly totals since September 2023. Through the first five months of the year, exports were down 6% in volume (1.22 million mt) and 5% in value ($3.43 billion) compared to the record pace of 2024.
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