March exports of US pork were the largest since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation. 

March pork exports totalled 260,195 metric tons (mt), up 17% year-over-year and the ninth largest volume on record. Export value was also ninth largest at $724 million, up 18% from a year ago. These results capped a strong first quarter for U.S. pork as exports reached 716,691 mt, up 14% from a year ago, valued at $1.96 billion (up 15%).

“It’s great to see US pork exports continue to expand in many of our Western Hemisphere markets, but there is also notable momentum in the Asia Pacific,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “With consumer activity in the region rebounding toward pre-COVID levels and US pork very competitively priced compared to European product, 2023 holds excellent potential for broad-based growth.”