New Record For Pork Exports
US - The US pork industry achieved its 16th consecutive record-setting year of exports in 2007, according to statistics compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Tim Bierman, a pork producer from Larrabee, Iowa and a member of the Pork Checkoff Trade Committee said producers should be proud that one of every four pounds of pork traded today originates from the US.
"Exports are a key component to strengthening the future of the US pork industry. By working together, the Pork Checkoff and USMEF are accomplishing goals that we couldn't do on our own," said Bierman," he added.
Overall, pork exports increased three percent in volume over 2006, surpassing 1.3 million metric tons, nearly 2.9 billion pounds. The value of those exports jumped 10 percent over 2006, exceeding $3.15 billion. Pork muscle cut exports also increased 3 percent in volume and 10 percent in value while pork variety meat exports increased 5 percent in volume and 14 percent in value.
Japan remains the top destination and accounts for 36 percent of the value of all US pork exports. It imported 358,582 metric tons during 2007, valued at $1.152 billion and six percent increase on the year.
Pork Checkoff funded educational events and promotions to promote the US industry to Japanese traders and consumers
"US Pork is perceived as the highest quality product available," said Greh Hanes, USMEF Japan director.
Mexico is the second highest importer of US pork and pork products although this market has seen a 22 percent decline in imports during 2007.
Pork exports to Russia doubled in 2006, and continued to grow in 2007, setting a new record with a 21 percent hike to 99,876 metric tons, 220.2 million pounds, valued at nearly $207 million, a 26 percent increase in value over the prior year. The weak US dollar, combined with high Brazilian pork prices, gave the United States a competitive advantage in the Russian market, enabling US exports to exceed the 49,000 metric ton, 108 million pounds, quota for US pork imports.
Among other key export markets for US pork:
"Exports are a key component to strengthening the future of the US pork industry. By working together, the Pork Checkoff and USMEF are accomplishing goals that we couldn't do on our own," said Bierman," he added.
Overall, pork exports increased three percent in volume over 2006, surpassing 1.3 million metric tons, nearly 2.9 billion pounds. The value of those exports jumped 10 percent over 2006, exceeding $3.15 billion. Pork muscle cut exports also increased 3 percent in volume and 10 percent in value while pork variety meat exports increased 5 percent in volume and 14 percent in value.
Japan remains the top destination and accounts for 36 percent of the value of all US pork exports. It imported 358,582 metric tons during 2007, valued at $1.152 billion and six percent increase on the year.
Pork Checkoff funded educational events and promotions to promote the US industry to Japanese traders and consumers
"US Pork is perceived as the highest quality product available," said Greh Hanes, USMEF Japan director.
Mexico is the second highest importer of US pork and pork products although this market has seen a 22 percent decline in imports during 2007.
Growth Market
China/Hong Kong was the largest growth market for US pork exports, jumping 91 percent to 169,160 metric tons, nearly 373 million pounds, valued at almost $271 million. Exports to China/Hong Kong surpassed exports to Canada in volume 148,576 metric tons or 327.5 million pounds, but Canada remains the No. 3 market in value of pork exports at $491.58 million, a 12 percent jump over 2006.Pork exports to Russia doubled in 2006, and continued to grow in 2007, setting a new record with a 21 percent hike to 99,876 metric tons, 220.2 million pounds, valued at nearly $207 million, a 26 percent increase in value over the prior year. The weak US dollar, combined with high Brazilian pork prices, gave the United States a competitive advantage in the Russian market, enabling US exports to exceed the 49,000 metric ton, 108 million pounds, quota for US pork imports.
Among other key export markets for US pork:
- South Korea dipped 9 percent to 99,852 metric tons, 220.1 million pounds, but value was essentially unchanged at $231 million.
- Australia and New Zealand increased 22 percent to 37,452 metric tons, 82.5 million pounds, valued at $99.863 million, a 33 percent increase over 2006.
- Central and South America also increased 22 percent to 33,119 metric tons, 73 million pounds, valued at $70.9 million. US pork exports will continue to benefit from Free Trade Agreements with some of countries in this region.
- Pork exports to the European Union (EU) increased 55 percent to 19,722 metric tons, nearly 43.5 million pounds, with a 70 percent increase in value to $57.8 million.
- Exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) also increased 62 percent to 15,672 metric tons, 34.5 million pounds, valued at $30.5 million. The Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore were the largest markets.
- The Dominican Republic increased 39 percent to 5,746 metric tons, 12.6 million pounds, valued at $10.8 million while exports to the Caribbean excluding Cuba and the Dominican Republic, fell 12 percent to 14,934 metric tons, 32.9 million pounds.
- Exports to Taiwan fell 37 percent to 15,974 metric tons, 35.2 million pounds, due primarily to market access issues.
Further Reading
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