US pork exports to Mexico and Japan surge in March
Dominican Republic shipments soar 50% as Western Hemisphere leads
20 May 2026
1 minute read
By: US pork exports in March to leading market Mexico reached 103,808 mt, up 7% from a year ago, while export value also climbed 7% to $228.6 million, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
This pushed first-quarter exports to 309,137 mt, up 5% from last year’s record pace, valued at $688.1 million (up 8%). Mexico is a critical market for US pork, especially bone-in hams and variety meat, and preserving market access is essential. This makes the review of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement a top industry priority, as well as Mexico’s antidumping investigation on US hams and pork shoulders.
Fueled by steady exports to Honduras and growing demand in Costa Rica and El Salvador, March pork exports to Central America totalled 17,495, up 6% year-over-year, valued at $58.1 million (up 12%). First-quarter exports to the region increased 7% from a year ago to 48,920 mt, while value climbed 12% to $158.7 million.
After a slight volume decline in 2025, pork shipments to the Dominican Republic have raced to a rapid start this year. March exports soared 50% above last year, setting a value record of $35.8 million, while volume was the second largest on record at 12,478 mt. January-March exports totalled 29,984 mt, up 31% from a year ago, valued at $87.4 million (up 29%).
Pork exports to Japan declined last year but have rebounded in 2026. March exports totalled 35,448 mt, up 18% from a year ago and the highest since 2021, while value increased 13% to $134.3 million. First-quarter exports climbed 20% to 90,776 mt, valued at $345.8 million (up 13%).
