US pork exports up in Q1 2017

The US exported 442,200 tonnes of fresh/frozen pork during the first quarter of 2017, which was 19% more than the same period last year.

With US pig production rising over the same time frame, the rise in shipments may not have come as a surprise. Likewise, the value of US exports during the first quarter increased by 24% on the year, to $1.14 billion.Mexico remained the largest destination for US pork in the first quarter of 2017, with volumes shipped increasing by 37% year on year, to 160,800 tonnes. Growth was also recorded in shipments to Japan (+7% year on year) and South Korea (+32% year on year), with volumes totalling 95,200 tonnes and 47,600 tonnes respectively. On the other hand exports to the US’ fourth largest destination, China, fell 14% on the year, to 35,600 tonnes from January-March.

 US pork exports January-March

	2016	2017	Change, %
	000 tonnes
Total fresh/frozen pork	371,9	442,2	+18,9
of which:
Mexico	117,8	160,8	+36,5
Japan	89,0	95,2	+6,9
South Korea	36,1	47,6	+31,8
China	41,6	35,6	-14,3
Kanada	20,6	25,5	+23,4

Sourse: US Department of Commerce, IHS Maritime & Trade — Global Trade Atlas

With US pig meat production currently forecast to rise by 5% on the year in 2017 by the USDA, it is likely that its export campaign will remain strong for the rest of the year. Obviously this is dependent on a number of factors, but if the current pace continues, the US are likely to outstrip its current pig meat export forecast of 8% growth. Nevertheless, the US are expected to face stiff competition from the EU this year into Asian markets, especially China. PigUA.info adopted from AHDB.Pork