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USMEF: November pork exports below year-ago levels

Pork

Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Posted on Feb 03 ,00:30

Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons (mt) in November, down 7% from a year ago but the third largest of 2025. Exports were valued at $720.8 million, down 8% year-over-year but also the third highest of 2025. November exports increased year-over-year to Mexico, South Korea and the Dominican Republic and were record-large to Guatemala, but these results were offset by lower shipments to China, Japan, Canada and Colombia.

For January through November, pork exports totaled 2.68 million mt, down 3% from the record pace of 2024, while value also fell 3% to $7.65 billion. With most of this decline being due to lower variety meat shipments to China, where U.S. pork faces retaliatory duties, January-November exports of pork muscle cuts were just 1% below 2024’s record pace in both volume (2.19 million mt) and value ($6.57 billion).

“The pork export numbers continue to be impressive, with broad-based growth mostly offsetting the obstacles in China,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “It was especially gratifying to see per-head export value topping $70 in November, which is excellent news for U.S. producers and for the entire pork supply chain.”

After posting a record performance in October, pork exports to leading market Mexico were again outstanding in November, climbing 11% year-over-year to 111,207 mt. Export value increased 9% to $246.9 million - the sixth highest on record. Through the first 11 months of 2025, exports to Mexico were 7% above the record pace of 2024 at 1.12 million mt, while value increased 11% to $2.58 billion.

As USMEF has previously reported, however, U.S. pork faces potential obstacles in the months ahead as the Mexican government conducts an antidumping and anti-subsidy investigation on U.S. hams and shoulders, during the USMCA review period ahead of renewal this summer.Responding to this investigation, as well as other regulatory challenges in Mexico, and continuing to aggressively position and promote U.S. pork are essential to defending and expanding U.S. share in this increasingly competitive market. 

Although November pork exports to Central America were down slightly year-over-year in volume (18,760 mt, down less than 1%), export value still increased 9% to $64.5 million. November exports were highlighted by another record performance from Guatemala, where shipments totaled 4,578 mt (up 19%) valued at $15.9 million (up 30%). With one month to spare, January-November exports to Central America already achieved annual records, reaching 167,871 mt (up 17% year-over-year) valued at $545.4 million (up 21%). Exports to Guatemala (40,436 mt, up 28%) already exceed the 2024 record by more than 5,600 mt.

U.S. pork continued to build momentum in Korea in November, with exports climbing 16% from a year ago to 16,580 mt, valued at $51.7 million (up 7%). After a slow first half in 2025, pork exports to Korea have trended higher year-over-year for five consecutive months, but January-November exports were still down 4% in volume (187,625 mt) and 10% in value ($604.9 million).  

Other January-November results for U.S. pork exports include:

• Led by the largest shipments in more than a year to the Dominican Republic and continued growth in Cuba, November pork exports to the Caribbean totaled 14,395 mt, up 11% from a year ago, while value climbed 21% to $47.5 million. Through November, exports to the region were 2% above the 2024 pace in volume (119,137 mt) and 7% higher in value ($372.6 million).
• November pork exports to Japan totaled 24,411 mt, down 12% from a year ago, while value fell 17% to $95.8 million. Through the first 11 months of 2025, exports to Japan were 8% lower year-over-year in volume (286,494 mt) and 11% lower in value ($1.14 billion).
• Pork exports to Colombia exceeded the record pace of 2024 for much of last year, but have trended lower year-over-year in recent months. November shipments to Colombia totaled 9,770 mt, down 32% from the record volume posted in November 2024, while value was down 28% to $30.2 million. January-November exports to Colombia were steady with 2024’s pace at 114,990 mt, while value was 2% higher at $337 million.
• Retaliatory duties and sluggish overall demand continue to weigh on U.S. pork exports to China, which are primarily variety meat. November exports totaled 26,639 mt, down 40% from a year ago, while value fell 43% to just $61 million. Through November, exports to China were down 22% year-over-year in volume (334,488 mt) and 23% lower in value $782.9 million.
• While down slightly from a year ago, November pork export value per head slaughtered was outstanding at $70.26. The January-November average was $65.54, down less than 1% from the record pace of 2024. Exports accounted for 31.6% of total November pork production, down from the very robust year-ago ratio of 32.4%. For muscle cuts only, exports accounted for 28.4% of production, which was steady year-over-year. The January-November ratios were 29.7% of total production (down slightly from a year ago) and 26.1% for muscle cuts (up slightly).

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