The following article has been prepared and written by Jeff Swenson, DATCP Livestock and Meat Specialist. The update draws information from several sources, including trade publications, radio broadcasts, agricultural news services, individuals involved in the industry, as well as USDA NASS and AMS reports. Edited by Mid-West Farm Report.
Pork exports to China decreased sharply in May, leading to an 11 percent drop overall, the lowest monthly total since September.
Through the first five months of the year, exports were 6 percent lower in volume and 5 percent lower in value compared to the record pace of 2024. Growth in Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica pushed May pork exports to Central America 26 percent higher than a year ago.
May pork export value equated to $62.18 per head harvested, 8 percent lower than a year ago. Exports to China accounted for less than $2 per head, compared to about $8.50 per head in May 2024.
Pork prices have been working higher even with trade headwinds. Cash hogs were nearly $1 higher last week with a base price of $107.62/cwt. The pork cutout is $15 higher than this time last year, averaging $112.16 last week. All primal prices were lower early this week, bringing some nervousness into the market.
Harvest was lower last week due to the holiday. USDA estimates 1.846 million hogs were harvested, which is 173,000 fewer than Independence Day week last year.
