US pork exports to Mexico, Dominican Republic shatter records – USMEF

According to a recent US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) report, US pork exports broke records in November 2022 with Mexico and Dominican Republic leading the way.

November pork exports to leading market Mexico increased slightly from a year ago in volume to a record 87,809 mt, while export value soared 38% to a record $210.1 million. For January through November, exports to Mexico totalled 869,526 mt, up 9% from a year ago and just short of the full-year record achieved in 2021. Export value reached $1.84 billion, up 20% year-over-year and already setting an annual record.

US pork’s remarkable performance in Mexico comes despite increased competition, with import duties from all eligible pork suppliers suspended since May. Mexico also recently opened for the first time to Brazilian pork, provided that it originates from approved plants in the state of Santa Catarina and goes directly into further processing.

Pork exports to the Dominican Republic had already set annual records through October, and demand further intensified in November. Shipments reached a record 10,229 mt in November, up 70% from a year ago and up notably from the previous high of 8,966 mt in April. November export value nearly doubled year-over-year to a record $30.1 million (up 97%). January-November exports to the DR totalled 76,085 mt, up 42% from a year ago, while value increased 48% to $204.8 million. S

imilar to Mexico, the DR temporarily suspended import duties on red meat and poultry in June, heightening competition in the market. But the decree suspending these duties recently expired, meaning the U.S. is once again the only major pork supplier with duty-free access. Imports from other major suppliers are subject to the DR’s most-favored-nation rate of 25%. Canadian pork exports to the DR fell back to zero in November after gaining some momentum when duties were suspended.

Following a slow start in 2022, pork exports to China/Hong Kong regained considerable momentum in the second half of the year. This trend continued in November, with exports climbing 39% from a year ago to 54,410 mt, valued at $140.3 million (up 40%). While driven in large part by strengthening demand for variety meat, pork muscle cut exports to the region also increased 37% to 20,699 mt, valued at $59.8 million (up 64%).

For January through November, pork and pork variety meat exports to China/Hong Kong were 31% below the previous year’s pace at 486,213 mt, valued at $1.25 billion (down 24%).

Tags: Mexico, US, US Meat Export Federation, Market, Dominican Republic, USMEF, exports, pork