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USMEF: February pork exports above year-ago

Pork

February exports of U.S. pork were slightly higher year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Posted on Apr 07 ,00:30

February was a robust month for per-head export value, with pork exports equating to more than $67 per head slaughtered. February pork exports totaled 242,511 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, with export value also edging 1% higher to $678.8 million. While leading market Mexico posted another excellent performance in February, shipments to Japan increased significantly from last year’s low total and exports also trended higher year-over-year to South Korea, Central America, the Dominican Republic and Taiwan.

“It is gratifying to see demand for U.S. pork continue to expand in our Western Hemisphere markets,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “But the rebound in Japan really stands out to me, given the strong economic headwinds and intense competition in this important market. To build on this recent momentum in Japan, it is critical that we continue to differentiate U.S. pork and demonstrate its advantages to Japanese importers and consumers.”

For January through February, U.S. pork exports were 2% above last year’s pace in both volume (493,372 mt) and value ($1.37 billion). Export value is slightly ahead of the record pace established in 2024.

Pork exports continue to build momentum in Latin America and Asia

February pork exports to Japan, a longtime stalwart for U.S. pork, rebounded 20% from a year ago to 28,138 mt. Export value was $107.7 million, up 13% and the highest since October. Although still below some prior years, January-February exports to Japan were 21% above last year’s pace at 55,328 mt, while value increased 14% to $211.5 million.

Pork exports to leading market Mexico were outstanding again in February, reaching 97,357 mt, up 4.5% from a year ago. Export value increased 9% to $220.7 million. Coming off a fifth consecutive record year in 2025, January-February exports to Mexico increased by 4% in volume (205,329 mt) and 8% in value ($459.4 million). With pork variety meat shipments to China held back by retaliatory duties and other obstacles, Mexico is an increasingly critical destination for these products. Through February, pork variety meat exports to Mexico were 11% above last year in both volume (30,147 mt) and value ($53.3 million).

Led by growth in Honduras and Costa Rica, pork exports to Central America reached 16,144 mt in February, up 14% from a year ago, while value climbed 23% to $53.1 million. Through February, exports to the region were 7% above last year in volume (30,795 mt) and 12% higher in value ($100.7 million).

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

• For the eighth consecutive month, pork exports to Korea posted year-over-year growth in February, reaching 18,584 mt (up 4%). Export value increased 8% to $61 million. January-February exports mirrored this trend, also increasing 4% in volume (35,545 mt) and 8% in value ($118.5 million).
• Pork exports to Taiwan have rebounded in early 2026, albeit compared to last year’s low volumes. Through February, exports to Taiwan nearly tripled from a year ago in both volume (2,735 mt, up 175%) and value ($7 million, up 162%). In February, the Trump administration announced the signing of a reciprocal trade agreement that will reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers for U.S. pork in Taiwan, but this agreement has not yet been implemented.
• Pork exports to the Dominican Republic have raced to a fast start in 2026, with January-February exports climbing 21% from a year ago in volume (17,506 mt) and 18% in value ($51.6 million).
• Following a strong January performance, pork exports to Colombia took a step back in February, falling 19% in volume (8,485 mt) from a year ago and down 17% in value ($24.9 million). Through February, exports to Colombia were down 3% in both volume (18,338 mt) and value ($52.9 million)
• While China continues to be the leading destination for U.S. pork variety meats, shipments are being negatively impacted by retaliatory duties, large domestic supplies and sluggish consumer demand. Through February, total pork exports to China were down 12% from a year ago to 65,553 mt, while value fell 23% to $138.5 million. These results included 47,182 mt of pork variety meat, down 6% from a year ago, valued at $97.8 million (down 21%).
• Pork export value equated to $67.28 per head slaughtered in February, up 2% from a year ago. The January-February per-head average was up 4% to $64.55. Exports accounted for 30.7% of total February pork production and 26.7% for muscle cuts, each up slightly from a year ago. The January-February ratios were 29.5% and 25.7% – up from 28.7% and 25%, respectively, in the first two months of 2025.

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