Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 10, According to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook for September, US pork exports in July 2025 totaled 552 million pounds, marking a 3% decline compared with the same month in 2024.

The data show that the decrease was mainly driven by an 11% year-on-year drop in exports to Mexico, the largest foreign buyer of US pork. This decline was compounded by additional reductions in shipments to Canada, China and Hong Kong, and Australia. These decreases collectively outweighed modest export gains to other destinations such as South Korea, the Philippines, and several nations in the Western Hemisphere.

Industry analysts noted that multiple factors may have contributed to lower shipments to Mexico. Among the potential reasons were increased competition from other major pork-exporting countries and regions, as well as a rise in domestic beef consumption within Mexico, which may have affected pork demand.

The report emphasized that while the overall export volume declined slightly, trade activity remained steady across various global markets, suggesting that demand for US pork continues to hold at a relatively stable level. The modest growth in exports to South Korea and the Philippines was attributed to sustained consumer demand and expanding food service sectors in those markets, partially offsetting the reduction in North American and Asia-Pacific shipments.

Despite the year-on-year decrease in July exports, the USDA stated that its forecasts for the second half of 2025 remain unchanged from the previous month’s outlook. Similarly, projections for the first half of 2026 were left intact, indicating an expectation of moderate but steady export performance in the near term. The agency continues to monitor market trends, global consumption patterns, and currency fluctuations that could influence trade volumes in the coming months.

US pork producers and exporters are focusing on maintaining stable trade relationships and diversifying export destinations to mitigate the effects of fluctuations in key markets. Continued collaboration with international partners and efforts to expand access to emerging markets are viewed as essential steps in supporting export growth.

In summary, while US pork exports in July 2025 saw a moderate 3% decrease compared with the previous year, the sector’s overall outlook remains stable. Declines in shipments to Mexico, Canada, China and Hong Kong, and Australia were only partially balanced by small increases in exports to other destinations, including South Korea and the Philippines. The USDA’s steady forecasts for late 2025 and early 2026 reflect confidence in maintaining consistent export activity, supported by ongoing market diversification and resilient global demand.