March was another terrific month for pork exports to Mexico, which remain well above last year’s record pace, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). March exports totalled 95,030 mt, up 15% from a year ago and the second largest on record (behind January 2023), while value climbed 31% to $195.7 million. First quarter shipments to Mexico were up 11% to 270,056 mt, while value soared 34% to $541.7 million. 

Brazilian pork gained access to Mexico late last year, and small volumes have arrived in the market. Brazil reported shipments to Mexico of 27 mt in February and 189 mt in March.

March pork exports to the Dominican Republic totaled 13,181 mt, up 87% from a year ago and shattering the previous record (10,681 mt) set in February. Export value to the DR also reached a record $33.6 million, up 88%. With a rapid rebound in tourism, strong retail demand, a significant tariff advantage over other major suppliers and domestic production still limited due to African swine fever (ASF), first quarter exports to the DR climbed 72% from last year’s record pace to 32,047 mt, while export value was up 87% to $85.1 million. 

Exports also trended higher to the Bahamas, Leeward-Windward Islands, Netherlands Antilles and Cayman Islands and rebounded to Trinidad and Tobago, pushing first quarter shipments to the Caribbean up 63% to 36,598 mt, valued at $101.5 million (up 72%).