After a string of record-breaking months, US pork exports to Mexico cooled slightly in February but remained well above year-ago levels, according to a recent report from the US Meat and Export Federation (USMEF). 

According to the report, February volume reached 78,226 mt, up 6% from a year ago, while value climbed 31% to $154.7 million. This pushed the January-February totals for Mexico 9% ahead of last year’s record pace in volume (175,026 mt) and 36% higher in value ($346 million).

February pork exports to the Dominican Republic more than doubled year-over-year to a record 10,681 mt (up 106%), valued at $27.7 million (up 105%). For the first two months of the year, exports to the DR climbed 63% to 18,866 mt, valued at $51.5 million (up 86%). With exports also trending higher to the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward-Windward Islands and Netherland Antilles, January-February exports to the Caribbean increased 57% to 21,616 mt, valued at $61.7 million (up 74%).

Fuelled by strong growth in the Philippines, Vietnam and Singapore, February pork exports to the ASEAN region totaled 4,229 mt, up 49% year-over-year, valued at $10.9 million (up 43%). Through February, exports to the region increased 48% to 7,897 mt, valued at $23 million (up 50%). USU pork’s competitive position has improved in the ASEAN due to reduced tariff rates in the Philippines and Vietnam, along with tighter supplies of European pork.

A strong February performance for pork variety meat exports (see above) pushed January-February shipments 37% above last year’s pace to 95,167 mt, valued at $222.4 million (up 21%). While the increase is largely attributable to strong demand in China-Hong Kong (55,956 mt, up 37%), variety meat exports also trended higher to Mexico, the Philippines, South Korea, the DR, Colombia and Honduras.