Mexico Leads the Way
Mexico remains the primary driver of growth. In March, pork exports to Mexico surged 14% to 96,723 mt, while value soared 19% to $213.1 million — marking the ninth consecutive month that export value to Mexico surpassed $200 million. In the first quarter, exports to Mexico rose 5% year-over-year to 294,403 mt, valued at $637.7 million (+11%).
Strong Momentum in Central America and Colombia
Central America also posted record-breaking numbers. March exports to the region climbed 21% to 16,493 mt, with value up 22% to $51.8 million. First-quarter exports increased 20% to 45,167 mt, valued at $141.7 million (+23%). Record export volumes were recorded in Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.
Colombia rebounded strongly after a slow start to the year, with March exports reaching the second-highest monthly volume on record — 14,342 mt (+39%), valued at $41.3 million (+44%). First-quarter shipments were up 4% at 33,264 mt, with export value increasing 9% to $96 million.
Mixed Results in Asia
While March pork exports to South Korea were down 13% year-over-year to 23,882 mt, the volume marked the highest since April 2024. Export value dropped 15% to $77.4 million — the highest since May. For Q1, exports to Korea reached 58,214 mt (–16%) valued at $186.7 million (–18%).
Exports to China/Hong Kong remained steady at 41,000 mt in March, with value rising 3% to $99.1 million. First-quarter exports to the region increased 3% to 117,087 mt, with value up 7% to $284.6 million. Notably, about two-thirds of this volume (77,440 mt) were variety meats. Although production for China has slowed due to high tariffs, the U.S. industry continues to prioritize diversification.
Philippines Market Strengthens
In the Philippines, where domestic pork production has been impacted by African Swine Fever (ASF), March exports grew 9% to 5,050 mt, valued at $11.6 million (+26%). For the first quarter, shipments rose 15% to 12,821 mt, with value up 39% to $29.5 million.
Conclusion
While Q1 2025 pork export volumes from the U.S. were slightly lower year-over-year at 754,488 mt, the value reached a record $2.11 billion. Strong demand in Mexico, Central America, Colombia, and the Philippines offset some declines in East Asia, highlighting the growing importance of market diversification and regional opportunities for U.S. pork.
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