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USMEF: Broad-based growth for April pork exports

Pork

April exports of U.S. pork achieved gains in a wide range of markets, according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF, while beef exports were below the very large totals posted a year ago.

Posted on Jun 13 ,00:15

Propelled by another month of widespread growth, April pork exports totaled 243,789 metric tons (mt), up 15% from a year ago, while value increased 10% to $660.1 million. For January through April, pork exports climbed 14% to 960,480 mt, valued at $2.62 billion (up 13%). 

“International demand continues to be a positive for the entire pork supply chain,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. "While Mexico remains a star performer for U.S. pork, it’s really encouraging to see growth in many markets. Latin American demand has remained strong while the momentum for U.S. pork into the Asia Pacific region has also been increasing. This is critical for maximizing carcass value and generating revenue for an industry that is facing difficult economic conditions". 

Halstrom added that for both pork and beef exports, it is imperative that West Coast port terminal operators reach a contract agreement with longshoremen. 

"While there has been no formal strike or lockout, sporadic work stoppages on the West Coast are a major concern for exporters and their international customers,” Halstrom said. “This is especially true for companies shipping chilled beef or pork to Asia. For that business, reliability and timeliness are paramount".

Pork exports to Mexico have soared to another record pace in 2023 and April was again a strong month, with volume increasing 9% year-over-year to 80,214 mt, valued at $149.6 million (up 7%). For January through April, shipments to Mexico topped last year by 10% in volume (350,270 mt) and 27% in value ($691.3 million). While much of the volume is destined for further processing, the U.S. industry continues to make impressive strides in Mexico’s retail and foodservice sectors. 

April pork exports to South Korea totaled 21,336 mt, up 42% from a year ago and the largest since May 2019, while export value climbed 27% to $66.6 million. Through April, exports to Korea were up 13% to 66,395 mt, valued at $210 million (up 1%). Korea recently opened another duty-free quota for imported pork cuts, which primarily benefits Canadian, Mexican and Brazilian pork (the U.S., EU and Chile already have duty-free access). Eligibility was also recently restored for pork imports from one German slaughter plant located in a region free of African swine fever (ASF). 

Pork exports to Australia have made an impressive rebound in 2023, with April exports more than doubling from a year ago to 6,040 mt (up 143% and the highest in two years), valued at $20.6 million (up 123%). Although Australia restricts U.S. pork to processed products and raw material destined for further processing, January-April exports climbed 54% to 16,146 mt, valued at $56.6 million (up 50%).

Other January-April results for U.S. pork exports include: 

• April exports of pork variety meat soared 39% from a year ago to 47,692 mt, valued at $113 million (up 27% and ninth largest on record). Through April, pork variety meat exports increased 37% to 195,030 mt, valued at $458.6 million (up 24%). While China/Hong Kong is the primary destination, exports also increased to Mexico, the Philippines, Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Vietnam, Taiwan, Chile and El Salvador. 
• Strong retail and foodservice demand, combined with an ASF-driven downturn in domestic production, have contributed to a surge in U.S. pork exports to the Dominican Republic. Through April, shipments to the DR were up 55% from last year’s record pace to 42,659 mt, valued at $112.6 million (up 67%). With demand also increasing in Trinidad and Tobago, the Leeward-Windward Islands, Netherlands Antilles, Cayman Islands and Barbados, January-April exports to the Caribbean region increased 49% to 49,069 mt, valued at $135.2 million (up 57%). 
• Domestic production challenges, rising prices for European pork and the extension of reduced tariffs in the Philippines have bolstered demand for U.S. pork in the ASEAN region. Through April, exports increased 65% to 20,646 mt, valued at $50.5 million (up 55%). While the Philippines is the region’s primary destination for U.S. pork, exports have surged to Malaysia, reaching a record 860 mt in April. Volumes have also increased to Vietnam. 
• Demand for U.S. pork has also rebounded in Taiwan, where April exports increased tenfold from last year’s low total to reach 1,732 mt (the highest since 2020), valued at $4.5 million. Through April, exports to Taiwan were up 365% from a year ago to 3,224 mt, valued at just over $10 million (up 425%). 
• April pork exports to Japan were down 3% from a year ago to 33,527 mt, while value slipped 8% to $131.5 million. Through April, exports declined 2% to 123,856 mt, valued at $494.3 million (down 8%). Japan is the primary overseas destination for U.S. chilled pork, with these shipments relying heavily on smooth operations at U.S. West Coast ports. 
• Pork exports to China/Hong Kong continue to trend well above the totals posted in the first half of 2022. April exports to the region were 47,152 mt, up 33% from a year ago, with value up 29% to $122.6 million. As noted above, variety meat accounts for most of the volume. Through April, exports to China/Hong Kong increased 30% in volume (182,033 mt) and 27% in value ($474.7 million). 
• April pork export value equated to $67.56 per head slaughtered, up 13% from a year ago and the highest since May 2021. The January-April per-head average increased 12% to $61.96. Exports accounted for 32% of total April pork production and 27.7% for muscle cuts only, each up more than three percentage points from April 2022. For January through April, these ratios were 29.1% of total production and 24.9% for muscle cuts, up significantly from a year ago (25.8% and 23%, respectively).

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