March pork exports remain steady - USMEF
Shipments to Mexico cooledMarch exports of US pork were steady with last year’s volume and edged higher in value, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Pork exports totaled 260,430 metric tons (mt) in March, up 0.1% from a year ago, valued at $740.8 million – up 2% year-over-year and the seventh highest on record. Through the first quarter, pork exports increased 6% to 762,784 mt, while export value climbed 7% to $2.11 billion.
“Another strong month on the pork side, and one that illustrates the importance of export market diversification,” noted USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Shipments to Mexico cooled a bit, reflecting the earlier timing for Easter, and yet the global total remained very robust through increases to Korea, Colombia, Central America and Australia. When export value exceeds $70 per head slaughtered, that’s welcome news for pork producers and the entire supply chain.”