Momentum continues for US pork exports in February - USMEF

US pork exports remained robust in February, achieving double-digit increases over last year in both volume and value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). 

February pork exports totalled 219,729 metric tons (mt), up 11% from a year ago, while export value increased 10% to $596 million. This included a particularly strong performance for pork variety meat exports, which jumped 40% to nearly 48,000 mt, valued at $111.8 million – up 25% and the eighth highest on record.

Through February, total pork and pork variety meat exports increased 12% to 456,496 mt, valued at $1.24 billion (up 13%).

“After setting a value record in 2022, the momentum for pork variety meat exports continues this year,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “While this is largely attributable to a rebound in exports to China, demand is also strengthening in other markets including Mexico and the Philippines. It also reflects an improved labor situation, which has helped the US industry increase its capture rate and broaden the range of destinations for pork variety meats.”