US pork exports to Oceania reach record highs
USA – US pork exports to Oceania have reached their highest levels since 2019, with shipments increasing by 29% in 2024 to 102,747 metric tons, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
The export value has also climbed by 32%, hitting a record US$374.8 million, highlighting the region’s growing demand for US pork products.
Despite restrictions limiting direct market access, Oceania remains an important destination for US pork, particularly raw materials used in further processing and processed pork items.
New Zealand has played a key role in driving this demand, with an increasing preference for US pork ribs contributing to higher export volumes.
Overall US Pork Export Growth
The record-high shipments to Oceania come just weeks after reports confirmed that US pork exports have reached new peaks in both volume and value in 2024.
Total pork exports for the year stood at 3.03 million metric tons, marking a 4% rise compared to 2023 and surpassing the previous record of 2.98 million metric tons set in 2020.
Export value has expanded by 6%, totaling US$8.63 billion, driven by increased shipments to key international markets.
In December alone, US pork exports amounted to 267,132 metric tons, slightly lower than the same period in 2023, but the total value for the month has grown by 1% to US$771.8 million.
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom attributes this growth to a wider market reach, particularly in the Western Hemisphere and Asia-Pacific regions.
Rising Demand Across Key Markets
Exports to Mexico have set a new record for the fourth consecutive year, while demand has also strengthened in Central America, Colombia, Malaysia, and several Caribbean nations.
South Korea, Australia, and the Dominican Republic have recorded their highest-ever values for US pork shipments, reflecting steady growth in these markets.
Beef exports have also seen an increase in value, despite a slight drop in total shipments.
December beef exports have risen by 1.5% to 110,171 metric tons, with value increasing by 4% to US$897.6 million.
For the full year, beef exports have fallen by 0.5% to 1.29 million metric tons, though the total export value has grown by 5%, reaching US$10.45 billion.
Halstrom notes that beef exports have performed better than expected, even with economic challenges in major Asian markets and supply difficulties earlier in the year.
Outside of Asia, demand for US beef has risen in Mexico, where imports have posted double-digit growth.
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