US pork exports up 8% in April - USMEF
Mexico ban on variety meats threatens to dent volumes
16 June 2026
1 minute read
By: Exports of US pork maintained strong momentum in April, led by broad-based growth in Asian and Western Hemisphere markets, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Pork exports totalled 257,212 metric tons (mt) in April, 8% (and nearly 20,000 mt) above last year, while value increased 6% to $718.1 million. April’s strong performance reflected growth in Mexico, Japan, the Dominican Republic, Central America and the Philippines. For China and Canada, exports were significantly higher than the low volumes posted a year ago.
For January through April, pork exports were 4% above the 2025 pace in both volume (1.04 million mt) and value ($2.89 billion). Export value was slightly above the total posted in the first four months of 2024, when exports went on to set an annual value record.
“Mexico and other key Latin American markets continue to perform remarkably well for US pork, as new product development and consumer education efforts are paying major dividends,” said USMEF president and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Combine this with a rebound in Japan and Taiwan, growth in the Philippines and steady demand in Korea, and 2026 is shaping up to be a tremendous year for US pork.”
Halstrom cautioned, however, that the April data does not capture the impact of restrictions on some pork variety meat items imposed in early May by Mexico and Colombia, following findings of pseudorabies virus (PRV) antibodies in five boars in quarantine at a small operation in Iowa. Pork muscle cut exports have not been impacted.
“USDA continues to work with its counterpart agencies in these countries to put these PRV-related restrictions behind us as soon as possible,” he said. “There was a significant negative impact on May exports and the situation has continued into June, but it should hopefully be short-lived.”
