US pork exports finished lower year-over-year but export value was the third largest on record, trailing only the highs reached in 2020 and 2021, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. Pork exports continued to gain momentum in December, led by another outstanding performance in Mexico. 

Pork exports finished 2022 on a decidedly upward trajectory as December shipments reached 244,718 mt, up 13% year-over-year and the second largest of 2022 (slightly below November). December export value climbed 14% to $687.3 million. These results pushed 2022 exports to 2.67 million mt, down 8.5% from a year ago, while export value was $7.68 billion – down 5% from the record achieved in 2021.

Pork exports to Mexico ended 2022 on a very high note, setting a volume record in December on the way to a record-breaking year. December exports also trended higher year-over-year to China/Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines and Australia, and set a value record in Central America.

“The Mexican market has been a star performer for U.S. pork for many years, but the 2022 results were truly remarkable,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “In the face of growing competition in Mexico, the US pork industry has expanded product offerings and found innovative ways to meet the needs of processors, retailers and foodservice operators. In addition to Mexico, it is gratifying to see such a broad range of markets contributing to our recent export growth, making the prospects for 2023 very promising.”