“US pork exports are gaining strength this year but will still face challenges with increased global competition and a stronger US dollar,” said Becca Nepple, vice president of international marketing for the Pork Checkoff.

“The Checkoff is committed to bolstering its partnership with international customers through additional funding of in-country promotions of US pork with the US Meat Export Federation.”

Looking at April data alone, US exports to China (excluding Hong Kong) surpassed export volume to Japan for the first time. Combined exports to China and Hong Kong for the first four months of 2016 were up 78 per cent in volume (up 117 per cent for China alone) and 54 per cent in value.

“Central America also has been an emerging and important destination for US pork exports as the US pork industry has focused on market development and value-added promotions,” Nepple said.

For January through April, exports to the region were up 22 per cent in volume and 23 per cent in value compared to 2015.

“However, exports in volume to Mexico, Japan and South Korea were below last year during the same time period. Development and relationship-building programs are working toward regaining lost market share due to the West Coast port slowdown, ongoing competition and currency challenges,” said Nepple.

On average through April, 2016 US pork and pork variety meat exports accounted for 24 per cent of total pork production. Export value averaged $45.73 per head back to pork producers.

The top US pork export markets during the first quarter of 2016 were Mexico (470.4 million pounds and $355.9 million in value), Hong Kong/China (389.2 million pounds and $330.6 million in value), Japan (281.8 million pounds and $489.9 million in value), Canada (139.3 million pounds and $239.1 million on value), South Korea (113 million in pounds and $129.4 million in value) and Central/South America (81.5 million pounds and $86.7 million in value).