U.S. pork exports reached nearly 3 million metric tons (mt) in 2020, topping the 2019 record by 11%, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork export value also climbed 11% to a record $7.71 billion. Exports set new annual records in China/Hong Kong, Central America, Vietnam and Chile, and achieved strong fourth quarter growth in Japan and Mexico. Obviously the surge in demand from China, especially in the first half of 2020, was a driving force behind the record performance for U.S. pork exports, said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. But China was not the only success story in 2020, as exports achieved growth in a broad range of markets. Diversifying export markets is a top priority for USMEF and the U.S. industry, and that strategy paid dividends - especially in the fourth quarter, when exports to China/Hong Kong were down 9% from 2019 but shipments to the rest of the world nearly offset that slowdown.
U.S. pork exports reached nearly three million metric tons in 2020, topping the 2019 record by 11 percent, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Pork
Feb 02, 2021
African swine fever (ASF) has had a dramatic impact on pork production in the Philippines, where agricultural officials are considering a number of options for bolstering pork supplies and stabilizing prices.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Economist Erin Borror said the country’s shortage really started to occur last year in 2020 during the pandemic. USDA estimates pork production in the region was down 30% year over year, and their imports were lower, as well.
“The situation has continued to intensify with ASF still spreading, disincentivizing producer to try to rebuild, even though hog prices are quite high,” Borror noted.