US: Pork exports on track for annual record

September pork exports totaled 238,047 metric tons (mt), up 8 percent from a year ago, while value increased 6 percent to $685.1 million. In the first three quarters of the year, pork exports were 5 percent above last year’s pace at 2.23 million mt, and value increased 7 percent to $6.36 billion. September pork exports to key market Mexico totaled 91,492 mt, up 3 percent from a year ago, although value declined slightly to $206.6 million. Exports to Mexico remained at a record pace through September, rising 7 percent in volume (850,204 mt) and 12 percent in value ($1.89 billion). Led by excellent growth in Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama and Nicaragua, pork exports to Central America in September were up 36% year-on-year to 12,895 tonnes, valued at US$41.9 million (up 42%). Exports to the region are also on track for a record pace in 2024, with shipments through September up 23% to 109,634 tonnes, valued at US$344 million. Strong growth in the Philippines, ...