Weekly pig report: US pork export sales rebound weekly but lag recent pace

Weekly export sales posted a solid gain from the prior week, though volumes remain below the recent average, highlighting uneven global demand

21 March 2026

3 minute read

By: Jim Wyckoff

North America

Pig outlook—Mar. 19: Lean hog futures markets pauses

The lean hog futures market is treading water so far this week. April lean hog futures on Wednesday rose $0.025 to $93.75, near mid-range. Lean hog futures this week are pausing as bulls work to stabilize the market after recent selling pressure. This week’s minor gains in hog futures prices, amid solid gains in the cattle futures, is not a good sign for hogs. The near-term technical posture for the lean hog futures market has turned less bullish the past two weeks. The latest CME lean hog index is up 10 cents at $91.86. Today’s projected cash index price is up another 7 cents at $91.93. The national direct five-day rolling average cash hog price quote Wednesday was $68.74.

Pork Industry and related news

US pork weekly export sales

Pork: Net sales of 28,300 MT for 2026 were up 19 percent from the previous week, but down 13 percent from the prior 4-week average. Increases primarily for Mexico (7,500 MT, including decreases of 1,100 MT), South Korea (5,700 MT, including decreases of 800 MT), China (3,500 MT, including decreases of 100 MT), Japan (2,800 MT, including decreases of 400 MT), and Colombia (2,500 MT, including decreases of 100 MT), were offset by reductions for the Philippines (100 MT). Exports of 35,700 MT were down 8 percent from the previous week and 7 percent from the prior 4-week average. The destinations were primarily to Mexico (15,200 MT), Japan (4,500 MT), South Korea (4,100 MT), China (3,300 MT), and Colombia (2,000 MT).

USDA reports on European Union livestock sector

The EU swine sector is restructuring as oversupply and trade barriers cause prices to plummet, forcing a reduction in the pig crop and slaughter particularly across Western Europe. While internal pork consumption remains supported by these lower prices, overall EU exports are expected to face significant cuts due to disease-related bans.

Swine and Pork – The EU Swine Sector Is Facing a Restructuring in 2026 Herd Size and Pig Crop: As a result of a domestic pork oversupply, Chinese tariffs, and detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Spain, carcass prices have plummeted in the EU. Deteriorating profit margins are forecast to reduce the swine herd and pig crop in 2026.

Slaughter and Trade: The lower piglet production will eventually press this year’s slaughter throughout the EU but mainly in Western Europe, whose sectors are under pressure driven by high input costs and environmental regulations. Pork Production: In line with lower slaughter, EU pork production will decline in 2026. However, Spanish pork banned by export markets will be redirected to the EU domestic markets. Pork Domestic Sales and Trade: The relatively low pork price is supporting consumption in Central and Southern Europe. EU pork exports will be significantly cut in 2026 as the gap left by the banned Spanish exports can only partially be substituted by other EU Member States.

US pork exports open 2026 strong as Mexico leads growth; beef variety meat values hit record

Solid pork demand and high-value beef byproducts offset weaker beef volumes amid continued China market disruption

US pork exports began 2026 on a strong footing, rising modestly year-over-year in January as robust demand from Mexico and other key markets supported shipments, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

January pork exports totaled 250,861 metric tons, up 3% from a year earlier, while export value increased 4% to $692.1 million. Mexico again led growth, with additional year-over-year gains to Japan, South Korea, Canada, Central America, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, ASEAN markets and Taiwan, underscoring broad international demand for US pork.