US pig export record in 2021

The U.S. swine industry set an export record in 2021. Although volumes declined slightly, the underlying value was higher than the year before. Like Europe, the US saw its sales to China drop sharply, but neighboring Mexico is declining sharply.

The US exported a total of 2021 million tons of pork in 2,9, which is a decrease of about 2%. However, the underlying value increased by 5% to more than $8 billion, according to figures from the American Meat Export Federation (USMEF). This is mainly due to the buying impulse from Mexico, supported by the good economy there. The American dairy sector, which also exported for a record amount last year, also benefited from this.

China sales significantly lower
Sales to Mexico increased by 2021% to 27 in 874.000. The underlying asset even rose by almost 50% to $1,6 billion. China (including Hong Kong) is still the most important market with an export value of $1,7 billion in value. Compared to the previous year, however, the value fell by a quarter. The volumes even decreased by 30% to 734.000 tons.

Sales to Japan showed a stable development last year. Volumes declined 2% to 220.000 tons, but underlyings rose 4% to $1,6 billion. Japan is an important market for the US for the sale of added value products. This is in contrast to China, which mainly imports by-products.

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is editor-in-chief of Boerenbusiness. He also focuses on dairy, pig and meat markets. He also follows (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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