US pork exports rise 5% in October on strong Mexico demand - USMEF
Shipments post highest volume and value since March
29 January 2026
1 minute read
By: US pork exports continued to build momentum in October, led by a record performance in leading market Mexico, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Pork exports totalled 264,657 metric tons (mt) in October, up 5% from a year ago, valued at $762.1 million (up 7%). Both volume and value were the largest since March, led by substantial growth in Mexico and year-over-year increases to Central America, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.
January-October pork exports reached 2.43 million mt, just 2% below the record pace of 2024. Export value was also down 2% to $6.93 billion. The year-over-year difference is mostly due to a 20% decline in exports to China (which are mainly variety meats), where US pork is subject to burdensome retaliatory duties.
“The latest export data confirm what I consistently hear from customers across the world and from our international staff – that global demand for US red meat remains robust, despite tight supplies and formidable market access barriers,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Obviously, regaining access for US beef in China is our most urgent priority, as industry losses from this lockout are enormous. But we are also hopeful that ongoing trade negotiations will remove barriers in other destinations where consumers have a growing appetite for high-quality red meat.”
