By Justin Walker
Communications Specialist
The largest year ever recorded in volume for U.S. pork exports was 2017, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation.
The United States exported product to more than 100 countries last year, totaling 5.399 billion pounds. That was up six percent from the previous year. Last year’s exports were valued at $6.486 billion, an increase of nine percent from the year before.
“Exports continue to be an important piece of the puzzle for adding to producers’ bottom line,” Craig Morris, vice president of International Marketing for the Pork Checkoff, said. “Recognizing the importance of exports, the National Pork Board recently approved nearly $8.7 million for the 2018 export market activities, the most significant financial investment of checkoff dollars in international marketing efforts to date. With more high-quality U.S. pork available than ever, we are redoubling efforts to build on the momentum of the past year.”
Pork variety meats—such as pork livers, hearts, kidneys, tongues, stomachs, snouts, ears, feet and tails—had a strong year. Exports from 2017 tied the previous record from 2011, with 82 percent of variety meats exported, totaling $1.17 billion. This is the first time pork variety meat export values surpassed the $1 billion mark. China and Mexico dominated the market for these products, accounting for 86 percent of total exports.
U.S. pork and variety meat exports accounted for 26.6 percent of total production in 2017. An average of $53.47 per head went back to producers from export values, a six percent increase from 2016.
Mexico led the way in volume imported with 1.768 billion pounds. China/Hong Kong, Japan, Canada, South Korea and South America rounded out the top six markets.
Japan was the top market in terms of value, spending $1.626 billion, followed by Mexico, China/Hong Kong, Canada, South Korea and South America.