Inside Pigs
US pork exports do not continue at record pace
US pork exports failed to match last year's levels in January. The export volume was lower due to transport restrictions due to the corona crisis.
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A total of 248.656 tons of pork were exported in January. Compared to the same period last year, this is a decrease of 9%. The export volume is slightly above the expectations of the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). The export value fell by 13% to $642,8 million.
China and Japan
Exports to China were well below last year's level at 21%. A total of 76.202 tons went to China. This means it remains the most important buyer of American pork. The value fell 29% to $173,3 million.
Japan actually imported more pork than last year. The export volume increased by 2% to 32.332 tons. The value also increased by 2% and is trading at $134,6 million.
Solid start
Despite the decline in pork exports as a whole, Dan Halstrom, CEO of USMEF, describes the kick-off of 2021 as a solid start. He emphasizes that exports still face obstacles and transport restrictions, such as congestion and container shortages. He also expects exports to China to remain below 2020 levels for the entire year.