July shipments of U.S. pork increased to Japan, Central America, Colombia and Canada. However, these gains were not enough to offset lower exports to Mexico, China, South Korea, Oceania and ASEAN countries.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said the removal of PRV-related restrictions affecting U.S. pork variety meats was particularly important for the industry.
According to him, exports to Mexico began to recover in July but remained below year-ago levels, as production and logistics needed time to normalise after the restrictions were lifted in the middle of the month.
China, meanwhile, stepped up inspections of U.S. pork variety meats, causing delays in customs clearance. These additional barriers have also recently been removed.
Japan Increases Purchases of U.S. Pork
Exports to Japan increased by 10% in July to 29,200 tonnes, while value rose by 5% to $110.9 million.
In January–July, shipments to the Japanese market increased by 16% to 218,900 tonnes, while value rose by 11% to $832.1 million.
USMEF notes that U.S. exporters are actively taking advantage of opportunities in the pork loin segment, the largest volume category shipped to Japan. Additional opportunities emerged after Japan suspended pork imports from Spain due to African swine fever (ASF).
Central America Overtakes Canada
Shipments to Central America are also showing strong growth. In July, exports to the region increased by 11% to 16,200 tonnes, while value also rose by 11% to $52.4 million.
Guatemala and Costa Rica posted particularly strong results, with July volumes ranking as the second-highest on record for both markets.
During the first seven months of the year, exports to Central America increased by 10% to 113,900 tonnes, while value rose by 14% to $376.1 million.
As a result, the region has overtaken Canada to become the fifth-largest destination for U.S. pork by volume.
Colombia on Track for a Record Year
July shipments to Colombia totalled 10,400 tonnes, 5% more than a year earlier. Export value increased by 12% to $30 million.
In January–July, exports to the country reached 77,200 tonnes (+1%), while value totalled $223 million (+3%). Both indicators are currently on pace to reach record annual levels.
Shipments to Mexico Remain Lower
Mexico remains the largest market for U.S. pork, but July exports were still affected by the previous restrictions.
Shipments totalled 89,400 tonnes, 3% less than in July 2025. Export value also declined by 3% to $221.2 million.
Exports of pork variety meats fell by 13% in July to 11,900 tonnes.
For the first seven months of the year, total shipments to Mexico reached 665,900 tonnes, 2% below last year’s record pace.
Canada and the Caribbean Show Growth
Despite trade tensions between the United States and Canada, Canadian demand for U.S. pork has recovered in 2026.
Exports to Canada increased by 10% in July to 14,400 tonnes, while January–July shipments rose by 8% to 105,700 tonnes.
Exports to the Dominican Republic declined by 8% in July, but the country remains on a record pace for the first seven months of the year, with shipments up 24% to 65,200 tonnes.
Overall, exports to the Caribbean increased by 14% in both volume and value in January–July.
Spanish Pork Intensifies Competition in South Korea
Performance in the South Korean market remains weaker. During the first seven months of the year, U.S. pork exports to South Korea declined by 8% to 123,000 tonnes, while value fell by 7% to $403.2 million.
USMEF attributes this partly to increased shipments of lower-priced Spanish pork. After losing access to Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia, Spain has redirected larger volumes to South Korea, which recognises ASF regionalisation.
Exports Account for More Than 30% of Production
In July, export value per hog slaughtered averaged $62.53, $3 higher than in June but 6% lower than a year earlier.
For January–July, the figure averaged $66.06 per head, up 1% year on year.
During the first seven months of the year, exports accounted for 30.1% of total U.S. pork production and 26.4% of muscle cut production, both slightly above last year’s levels.
PigUA.info, based on materials from euromeatnews.com