US exports to Mexico surged in the first half of 2022, making the country the leading market for US pork with increased purchases of hams and shoulders, according to a press release from the National Pork Board.

Exports have also increased this year in Colombia, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. In total, pork exports around the globe account for about 26% of pork production so far this year.

Courtney Knupp, NPB’s VP of international market development, said the success of the growing markets is thanks to NPB’s strategic partnership with US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to promote diverse market cuts, including variety meats and muscle cuts.

“Our focus on trading with partners closest to home has paid off,” Knupp said. “For the first half of the year, we continued to get more value per unit. The value we receive for variety meats is hugely beneficial to the overall value and price of the hog.”