US pork exports to Japan experiences 6% rise

USA – US pork exports to Japan have increased by 6% in October compared to the same period last year, reaching 25,630 metric tons, according to data from the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) and the USDA. 

This growth in volume has also been accompanied by a 7% rise in export value, which climbed to US$108.3 million.

While the US pork export sector showed positive trends in October, the total volume for the first 10 months of 2024 was 1% lower than the same period in 2023, with exports totaling 285,334 metric tons. 

However, the export value for this period remained stable, holding at US$1.18 billion.

US pork exports saw a notable increase across several regions in October, with shipments climbing 3% year-over-year to 252,411 metric tons. 

The export value for these shipments also rose by 3%, reaching US$710.4 million. 

This rise in exports was fueled by gains in Japan, Central America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and the ASEAN region, which helped offset a slight dip in exports to Mexico.

Despite a dip in exports to Mexico, USMEF projects that pork exports for 2024 will surpass 3 million metric tons. 

This would surpass the record set in 2020 of 2.98 million metric tons and the export value record of US$8.16 billion achieved last year.

However, challenges remain, with concerns over potential tariffs affecting future trade dynamics.

The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which allows duty-free access for US pork, continues to play a key role in supporting exports, even as uncertainties loom.

The proposed reintroduction of tariffs on imported goods by President-elect Donald Trump has raised concerns among pork producers. 

Such tariffs could disrupt pricing competitiveness and increase grocery costs for American consumers. 

If other countries retaliate with countermeasures, US pork exports could face significant restrictions, further complicating trade in the coming months.

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