US pork exports to Mexico hit record pace through April
Japan rebounds while Dominican Republic posts near-record month
18 June 2026
1 minute read
By: US pork exports to Mexico reached 403,675 metric tons in the first four months of 2026, up 5% year over year and valued at just under $900 million, putting shipments on a record annual pace, according to the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
April exports to Mexico totalled 94,538 mt, up 3% from a year ago, with value climbing 7% to $211.4 million. Pork variety meat shipments to Mexico through April reached 58,713 mt, up 6%, valued at $104.3 million.
However, USMEF warned that May data will reflect a major disruption in variety meat trade after Mexico halted imports of skins, fat, feet and other offal items following findings of pseudorabies virus (PRV) antibodies in US hogs. Restrictions, which initially applied regardless of state of origin, were narrowed as of June 8 to products sourced from hogs from farms in Iowa or Texas. USMEF said it hopes to see restrictions lifted once a second round of PRV testing is completed and a final USDA report is submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Japan's demand for US pork continued to rebound in April, with exports reaching 32,682 mt, up 9% year over year, valued at $122.1 million. Through April, exports to Japan were 17% above last year's pace at 123,458 mt, with value up 11% to $467.9 million. Shipments have exceeded year-ago levels for five consecutive months.
Exports to the Dominican Republic surged 57% in April to 11,622 mt, valued at $33.7 million, the second highest monthly value on record. March had set a record at nearly $36 million. For January through April, exports to the Dominican Republic were 38% above last year's pace at 41,606 mt, with value up 35% to $121.1 million.
