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Pork exports totaled 285,567 metric tons (mt) in March, up 6% from a year ago, the largest in five years and the third largest on record. Export value increased 4% to $803.2 million, the second highest on record, trailing only April 2021. March exports increased year-over-year to leading market Mexico, as well as to Japan, Central America, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Taiwan. Shipments were steady to South Korea and Canada. March was an outstanding month for export value per head slaughtered, which was the third highest on record at $72.93.
Through the first quarter, pork exports were 3% above last year’s pace in both volume (778,939 mt) and value ($2.17 billion). Exports are on a record pace to Mexico and Central America.
March pork exports to leading market Mexico reached 103,808 mt, up 7% from a year ago, while export value also climbed 7% to $228.6 million. This pushed first-quarter exports to 309,137 mt, up 5% from last year’s record pace, valued at $688.1 million (up 8%). Mexico is a critical market for U.S. pork, especially bone-in hams and variety meat, and preserving market access is essential. This makes the review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement a top industry priority, as well as Mexico’s antidumping investigation on U.S. hams and pork shoulders.
Fueled by steady exports to Honduras and growing demand in Costa Rica and El Salvador, March pork exports to Central America totaled 17,495, up 6% year-over-year, valued at $58.1 million (up 12%). First-quarter exports to the region increased 7% from a year ago to 48,920 mt, while value climbed 12% to $158.7 million.
After a slight volume decline in 2025, pork shipments to the Dominican Republic have raced to a rapid start this year. March exports soared 50% above last year, setting a value record of $35.8 million, while volume was the second largest on record at 12,478 mt. January-March exports totaled 29,984 mt, up 31% from a year ago, valued at $87.4 million (up 29%).
Pork exports to Japan declined last year but have rebounded in 2026. March exports totaled 35,448 mt, up 18% from a year ago and the highest since 2021, while value increased 13% to $134.3 million. First-quarter exports climbed 20% to 90,776 mt, valued at $345.8 million (up 13%).
In China, where U.S. pork is subject to retaliatory duties and domestic supplies have surged, first-quarter exports declined 9% from a year ago to 104,779 mt, while value fell 20% to $222.9 million. China remains the largest destination for pork variety meat exports, which account for more than 70% of total shipments to China.
May 6, 2026/ USMEF/ United States.
https://www.usmef.org
