US pork exports surge in Mexico, Japan and Central America
Japan rebounds 20% while Mexico and Central America hold firm
1 May 2026
1 minute read
By: February pork exports to Japan, a longtime stalwart for US pork, rebounded 20% from a year ago to 28,138 mt, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Export value was $107.7 million, up 13% and the highest since October. Although still below some prior years, January-February exports to Japan were 21% above last year’s pace at 55,328 mt, while value increased 14% to $211.5 million.
Pork exports to leading market Mexico were outstanding again in February, reaching 97,357 mt, up 4.5% from a year ago. Export value increased 9% to $220.7 million. Coming off a fifth consecutive record year in 2025, January-February exports to Mexico increased by 4% in volume (205,329 mt) and 8% in value ($459.4 million). With pork variety meat shipments to China held back by retaliatory duties and other obstacles, Mexico is an increasingly critical destination for these products. Through February, pork variety meat exports to Mexico were 11% above last year in both volume (30,147 mt) and value ($53.3 million).
Led by growth in Honduras and Costa Rica, pork exports to Central America reached 16,144 mt in February, up 14% from a year ago, while value climbed 23% to $53.1 million. Through February, exports to the region were 7% above last year in volume (30,795 mt) and 12% higher in value ($100.7 million).
