US pork exports surge to Mexico, Central America

September shipments of US pork to Mexico climbed 16% from a year ago to 106,472 mt, while value soared to $259.6 million – up 26% and the highest on record, according to a recent market report from US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). 

Despite heightened competition from Brazilian pork, exports through the first three quarters of the year were 4% above last year’s record pace in volume (888,077 mt) and 8% higher in value ($2.04 billion).

Led by growth in Honduras and Guatemala, pork exports to Central America continued to shine in September, climbing 5% to 13,514 mt, while value increased 6% to $44.5 million. Through September, exports to the region soared 20% above last year’s record pace in volume (131,771 mt) and were 23% higher in value ($422 million).

For the third consecutive month, September pork exports to South Korea trended higher than a year ago, with shipments up 12% in volume (11,311 mt) and 7% in value ($38.1 million). January-September shipments to Korea were down 7% at 158,482 mt, with value 12% below last year’s record pace at $511.7 million.