Pork exports to leading market Mexico continue to far exceed last year’s record pace, with July shipments up 15% from a year ago to 81,081 m., according to data released by USDA and compiled by USMEF. 

July export value increased 12% to $189.4 million. January-July exports to Mexico increased 14% from a year ago to 614,015 mt, while value soared 20% to $1.26 billion. This included a surge in pork variety meat exports, which increased 47% to 90,311 mt, valued at $160.6 million (up 43%).

July was another strong month for pork exports to Central America, which increased 23% from a year ago to 9,138 mt, valued at $27.3 million (up 26%). January-July shipments to the region were up 6% to 70,828 mt, while value climbed 12% to $203.2 million. Growth was fueled by strong demand in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Taiwan’s demand for US pork continues to make an impressive rebound in 2023. July exports to Taiwan were 2,388 mt, up from just 352 mt a year ago. July value reached $7.8 million, up from just $880,000. January-July exports were the largest since 2013, increasing 539% from a year ago to 12,668 mt, while value climbed 627% to $41.3 million. 

This year’s exports to Taiwan already exceed the combined results from calendar years 2021 and 2002, which totalled only 9,500 mt valued at $29 million.