US pork exports above August last year - USMEF

Oct 14, 2024

Fuelled by another outstanding performance from Mexico, August exports of US pork increased year-over-year, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

August pork exports totalled 238,989 metric tons (mt), up 6% from a year ago but the second lowest of 2024. Export value increased 8% to $702.9 million. For January through August, pork exports were just under 2 million mt, up 4% from a year ago, while valued climbed 7% to $5.68 billion. Pork export value was on a record pace through August, and USMEF projects both export volume and value will reach record highs in 2024.

“Mexico was once again the pacesetter for US pork, but demand throughout the Western Hemisphere was outstanding in August,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Shipments to South America posted the highest value on record, while exports to Central America and the Caribbean also achieved strong growth. These markets are increasingly competitive, so it is essential that the US industry defends its market share while also developing marketing efforts that help expand overall consumption.”

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Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.