US pork exports slump 15% in April - USMEF
China tariffs and weaker demand hit key markets and values
10 June 2025
2 minute read
By: Due in part to a sharp decline in shipments to China, April exports of US beef and pork trended lower than a year ago, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
China’s retaliatory duties are a major headwind for both US beef and pork, while beef exporters face an additional obstacle. China has failed to renew establishment registrations for US beef plants and cold storage facilities, the majority of which expired in mid-March.
Pork exports totalled 237,250 mt in April, down 15% from a year ago and the lowest in 10 months. Export value fell 13% to $675.3 million. Exports to China, which are mainly pork variety meats, declined 35% from a year ago. Shipments were also lower year-over-year to leading market Mexico and to Japan and Canada. But April was another outstanding month for pork exports to Colombia and Central America, which are both on a record pace.
For January through April, pork exports were 5% below last year’s record pace at 991,738 mt, while value fell 4% to $2.78 billion.
“China has been renewing registrations for U.S. pork establishments, but retaliatory duties remain a significant barrier,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Exports to Mexico cooled in April but keep in mind that the year-over-year comparison is with a record performance in April 2024. Year-to-date shipments to Mexico are fairly steady with last year’s record pace and demand elsewhere in Latin America is also very robust.”
China’s total duties on US pork and pork variety meats peaked in April at 172%. The rate was lowered to 57% on May 14. (As with beef, product that shipped prior to April 10 and arrived by May 13 was allowed to clear without the additional 125%.)
