U.S. pork exports posted another strong month in April. Exports reached the highest volume and value since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
The leader in this discussion continues to be Mexico, says USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom.
“Similar to 2023, the momentum continues in 2024 for Mexico, absolutely a monster month in April, over 107,000 metric tons, which is up 34 percent,” he says. “And the value side… $240 million up 61 percent.”
Halstrom says the numbers appear to show that food service, retail, and the trade for further processing appear to “hit on all cylinders” for U.S. pork into Mexico. Asia and Latin America also reported strong pork exports in April.
It was also a robust month for U.S. beef exports, which were the largest in 10 months and valued at just under $900 million. Mexico also led beef export growth in April, and beef demand in Japan is showing signs of a rebound.
“Japan up 6 percent at 21,000 tons, once again, with the dollar as strong as it’s been, this is encouraging,” Halstrom says. “And I think what we’re seeing not only in Japan, but we’re seeing it in Korea and Taiwan as well, it’s becoming more and more evident that the food service sector is indeed starting to rebound, and at least a portion of that rebound is being driven by tourism.”
