US Pork Export Growth Slows to 1.1% as Mexico Demand Weakens

Washington, D.C.: Davidson County residents who follow commodity markets will see a slower pace of growth in U.S. pork shipments abroad. USDA expects exports to rise 1.1% this year, then grow by less than 1% in the year ahead. Economists point to softer demand from Mexico, one of the larger buyers of U.S. pork, as a factor in the reduced pace of growth.

The outlook has shifted over the course of this year. USDA also cut its production forecasts after reports showed fewer farrowings than earlier expected. Producers are weighing export demand and global competition as they set plans for next year. Japan continues to be an important destination for American pork, and Andy Tauer of the National Pork Board said the commercial relationship there has held steady for 50 years.

Tauer described the staffing arrangement behind that work: about 14 people in Japan, all from the country, gather information on culinary trends and demographic shifts. They send that material to the USMEF home office in Denver, which passes it to packers, processors, and the National Pork Board so the product sent to market matches consumer demand.

Tauer said the industry is working to reach younger Japanese consumers with U.S. pork. USDA's next export and production projections are scheduled for release as the department updates its supply and demand estimates.