Exports of U.S. pork maintained strong momentum in April, led by broad-based growth in Asian and Western Hemisphere markets, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef exports trended lower in April due to the impasse with China, along with year-over-year declines in other major markets.
Pork exports totaled 257,212 metric tons (mt) in April, 8% (and nearly 20,000 mt) above last year, while value increased 6% to $718.1 million. April’s strong performance reflected growth in Mexico, Japan, the Dominican Republic, Central America and the Philippines. For China and Canada, exports were significantly higher than the low volumes posted a year ago.
For January through April, pork exports were 4% above the 2025 pace in both volume (1.04 million mt) and value ($2.89 billion). Export value was slightly above the total posted in the first four months of 2024, when exports went on to set an annual value record.
“Mexico and other key Latin American markets continue to perform remarkably well for U.S. pork, as new product development and consumer education efforts are paying major dividends,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Combine this with a rebound in Japan and Taiwan, growth in the Philippines and steady demand in Korea, and 2026 is shaping up to be a tremendous year for U.S. pork.”
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