U.S. pork exports have shown impressive progress at year-end 2016 following a challenging 2015. 5.1 billion pounds of pork and pork variety meats valued at $5.94 billion dollars were exported in 2016, up 8 percent and 7 percent respectively from 2015, according to the USDA.
“We saw a strong 2016 for U.S. pork exports, but we still face challenges with increased global competition and a stronger U.S. dollar,” said Becca Nepple, vice president of international marketing for the Pork Checkoff. “The Checkoff is committed to bolstering its partnership with international customers through additional funding of in-country promotions of U.S. pork with the U.S. Meat Export Federation.”
On average, U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports accounted for 25.8 percent of total pork production in 2016. Export value returned an average $50.20 per head back to producers.
With more pork available in the U.S., the National Pork Board recently approved an increase of 12.7 percent in funding for 2017 export market activities.
During 2016, more than 100 countries around the world imported U.S. pork. The top five markets by volume were Mexico, China/Hong Kong, Japan, Canada and Central and South America. The top five markets by value were Japan, Mexico, China and Hong Kong, Canada and Korea.