US pork exports to Dominican Republic experience rise

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – US pork exports to the Dominican Republic have reached new heights as the country faces a significant decline in its domestic pork supply due to African Swine Fever (ASF). 

This deadly and contagious disease, which has impacted nearly 30% of the country’s pig population, has driven up the demand for imported pork, including from the United States.

In 2023, the Dominican Republic’s imports of U.S. pork increased by 18%, totaling US$276.2 million, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation. 

While Mexico, China, Japan, and Canada have traditionally been the largest consumers of U.S. pork, the Dominican Republic has emerged as a growing market. 

Imports of U.S. pork now represent about 94% of the nation’s total pork imports.

The Dominican Republic has been dealing with a sharp decline in local pork production due to the ongoing ASF outbreak, which was first detected in the country in July 2021. 

Despite the government’s emergency response efforts, resource constraints have hindered effective surveillance and restrictions on animal movement, allowing the disease to spread unchecked. 

The outbreak has already led to the culling of approximately 210,000 pigs, or 30% of the national herd.

As a result, pork imports into the country surged to 101,324 metric tons in 2023, up from just 40,084 metric tons in 2020. 

U.S. pork exports have been a significant part of this rise, but other countries, such as Brazil, are also beginning to enter the market. 

For the first time, Brazil began supplying pork to the Dominican Republic in 2023, shipping 6,642 metric tons in the first half of the year.

With African Swine Fever still endemic in the Dominican Republic and in neighboring Haiti, efforts to eradicate the disease are looking increasingly unlikely. 

This ongoing challenge could provide opportunities for U.S. exporters, though competition may grow as other countries seek to capitalize on the market.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.