US July pork exports to Asia mostly mixed - USMEF

Sep 18, 2023

US pork exports to Asia end mixed in July, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF.

Pork exports to China/Hong Kong, which are currently primarily variety meat, were also lower in July but remain well ahead of last year’s pace. January-July shipments totaled 315,539 mt, up 18% year-over-year, valued at $813.6 million (up 14%).

In Japan, July pork exports were down 12% from a year ago to 25,357 mt, while value fell 9% to $106. 9 million. This pushed January-July shipments 3% below last year’s pace at 212,626 mt, valued at $856.3 million (down 6%).

Fuelled by solid growth in the Philippines and Vietnam and surging demand from Malaysia, pork exports to the ASEAN region reached 43,689 mt through July, up 51% from a year ago, while value increased 26% to $103.5 million. Domestic production in the Philippines and Malaysia continues to be impacted by African swine fever.

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Video: What Does 20 MILLION Hogs a Year Look Like?

?? The Multi-Plant System Processing 20 Million Hogs Annually in the Midwest JBS USA operates multiple large-scale pork processing facilities across the Midwest, including major plants in Iowa, Minnesota, and Indiana. Combined, these facilities have the capacity to process approximately 20 million hogs annually.

Each plant operates high-speed automated slaughter systems capable of processing up to 20,000 head per day, followed by fabrication lines that break carcasses into primals, sub-primals, and case-ready retail products.

Hog procurement is coordinated through electronic marketing platforms that connect regional contract finishing operations and independent producers to plant demand schedules. This digital procurement system allows for steady supply flow and scheduling efficiency across multiple facilities.

Processing plants incorporate comprehensive food safety systems, including pathogen intervention technologies, rapid chilling processes, and integrated cold-chain management. USDA inspection is embedded throughout the harvest and fabrication stages to ensure regulatory compliance and product integrity. Finished pork products — from bulk primals to retail-ready packaged cuts — are distributed through coordinated logistics networks serving domestic and export markets.