Pork 2019 Export Highlights

Top 10 Export Markets for U.S. Pork

(values in million USD)
Country 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 % Change
2018-2019		 5-Year Average
2015-2019
Japan 1,565 1,553 1,626 1,631 1,523 -7% 1,580
China 427 713 662 571 1,300 128% 735
Mexico 1,268 1,360 1,514 1,311 1,278 -2% 1,346
Canada 778 798 793 765 802 5% 787
South Korea 472 364 475 670 593 -12% 515
Australia 173 178 208 227 302 33% 218
Colombia 102 105 163 215 222 3% 161
Hong Kong 282 360 415 282 154 -45% 299
Chile 41 54 85 91 123 35% 79
Philippines 80 79 98 116 93 -20% 93
All Others 379 373 446 524 562 7% 457
Total Exported 5,567 5,936 6,485 6,403 6,952 9% 6,269

Source: U.S. Census Bureau Trade Data - BICO HS-10

Highlights

In 2019, the value of U.S. pork and pork product exports to the world reached a record $7.0 billion, up 9 percent from the prior year. The top three markets, accounting for 59 percent of exports, were Japan, China, and Mexico at $1.5 billion, $1.3 billion, and $1.3 billion, respectively. Exports to China more than doubled as production impacts from ASF buoyed demand for imported pork. Japan remained the top market by value, but higher competition from other suppliers led to a 7-percent decline from last year. Exports to Mexico also fell, as retaliatory tariffs stifled trade during the first half of the year. Despite the repeal of retaliatory tariffs in May 2019, a weak economy and strong gains in domestic production hampered demand for U.S. pork.

Drivers

  • China emerged as the second-largest market for U.S. pork in 2019, generating an additional $700 million in exports over the previous year, due to decreased Chinese production resulting from an African Swine Fever outbreak.
  • Australia was a bright spot for U.S. pork with the U.S. export value rising by one-third to $300 million. Competitive prices and strong demand for processing boosted shipments.
  • Exports to top market Japan declined $100 million as U.S. pork faced strong competition from EU and Canadian pork.
  • Rising consumer demand propelled exports to Central America, including double-digit growth to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.

Global Fresh Pork Exports

Graphic showing global pork exports from 2015 - 2019
Looking Ahead

2020 exports of pork are forecast higher by volume on strong global demand. Robust growth in U.S. pork production will boost exportable supplies and exports will climb to a record 26 percent of domestic production. ASF will continue to be a major driver, with production shortfalls in China, the Philippines, and Vietnam propelling growth in pork trade. Despite retaliatory tariffs, U.S. pork is expected to make major gains to China, buoyed by implementation of the Phase One Agreement although impacts from coronavirus remain a risk factor. Exports to Japan are also expected to rise due to tariff reductions included in the U.S.- Japan Trade Agreement: beginning January 1, 2020, tariffs on U.S. pork are lowered to the same levels as those for Canada and the European Union. The COVID-19 outbreak injects uncertainty into the equation as closures of meat packing plants may affect the value and volume of pork supplies available for export.

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