Inside Pigs
US pork exports recover in Mexico
Pork exports from the United States were above last year's level in June. In fact, despite the ongoing trade war, exports to China were the largest in more than 3 years. Pork exports to Mexico also showed a recovery in June.
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Figures from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Meat Export Federation show that pork exports increased by 11% to 212.887 tonnes in June, compared to June last year. The value of exports increased by 12% to $569,2 million (€507 million). The export figures for the first half of the year, on the other hand, are lower than last year: -2% to 1,25 million tons. The value fell by 6% to $3,14 billion (€2,7 billion) in that period.
In June, 27,8% of total pork production was exported, which is an increase of 25,8% compared to June last year. In the first 6 months of the year, pork exports accounted for approximately 25,8% of total production. That was still 27,3% last year.
Significantly more to Mexico and China
The Mexican 20% tax on American pork was abolished on May 20. This resulted in a sharp increase in exports in June. The export of pork to Mexico in that month was the largest since January and amounted to 59.837 tons, which is almost the same as June last year. The value of exports increased by 13% to $119 million (€106 million). That is the highest export value to Mexico since April 2018.
In spite of the trade war, exports to China are also showing a huge increase. In June, exports amounted to 41.704 tons, which is 123% more than last year in June. The export value increased by 77% to $88,5 million (€78 million). Due to the high figures in June, the figure for the first half of 2019 also increases sharply: +23% to 177.060 tons. However, due to the escalating trade war, China will again have a large volume of American pork in August geannuleerd. In contrast, the European Union remains China's largest supplier: 859.030 tonnes (until May).
Pork exports to Japan remained stable in June compared to last year, reaching 31.742 tonnes, worth $131,5 million (€117 million). In the first 6 months of the year, exports to Japan were 4% lower than last year (191.281 tons) and the export value decreased by 6% ($773,5 million).
Australia more present
Australia will import considerably more in 2019 than in previous years. In the first half of 2019, exports to this country amounted to 56.338 tons, which is 44% more than last year in the same period. Exports to New Zealand have also increased, bringing total exports to Oceania to 61.591 tonnes. That is 43% more than last year.