PRV restrictions hit US pork exports to Mexico - USMEF
Japan posts strongest month since March 2021
24 July 2026
1 minute read
By: US pork exports to leading market Mexico, which were on a record pace through April, were weighed down heavily in May by PRV-related restrictions on pork offal, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
Mexico is normally the second largest destination for US pork variety meats, after China. It is the dominant market for pork skins and jowls, and critical for items such as snouts, stomachs, tongues and hearts.
With variety meat shipments falling dramatically, total pork plus pork variety meat exports to Mexico reached just 81,047 mt in May – down 17% from a year ago and the lowest since July 2023. Export value totaled $185.7 million, down 14% (or $30 million) and breaking a string of 13 consecutive months in which exports to Mexico exceeded $200 million.
For January through May, exports to Mexico were still slightly ahead of last year’s volume pace at 484,722 mt, while value increased 3% to $1.09 billion. Although some offal shipments to Mexico resumed in early June, exports are expected to remain significantly below year-ago levels until Mexico’s PRV-related restrictions are fully removed.
Japan’s demand for US pork continued to gain momentum in May, as exports totaled 37,872 mt, up 26% from a year ago and the largest since March 2021. Value increased 25% to $145.7 million – the highest since November 2021. For January through May, exports to Japan were 19% above last year’s pace at 161,330 mt, and were 14% higher in value at $613.7 million.
Led by growth in Costa Rica, Honduras and Guatemala, pork exports to Central America continued to shine in May. Shipments reached 16,187 mt, up 10% from a year ago, while value climbed 11% to $53.1 million. For January through May, exports to the region were 8% above last year’s record pace at 81,741 mt, valued at $270.7 million (up 13%).
