Pork exports surged significantly in Dec. 2023, contributing to a record-breaking year. With a 10% increase from the previous year, reaching 268,399 metric tons (mt), it marked the largest volume since May 2021 and the eighth largest on record. Mexico produced record-breaking figures in both volume and value, standing out as a key market once again.
The strong December results pushed 2023 export value to a record $8.16 billion, up 6% from 2022. Export volume was 2.91 million mt, up 8% year-over-year and the third largest on record.
Export Highlights:
- Pork variety meat exports climbed 9% year-over-year to 585,806 mt, valued at $1.37 billion (up 7%). China remained the largest destination for variety meat shipments at 335,591 mt.
- December pork exports to South Korea grew 64% from a year ago to 23,912 mt – the largest in more than 4 years.
- December export value climbed 69% to $81.9 million, the highest in more than 5 years and the third highest on record. These results pushed 2023 exports 9% above the previous year at 191,262 mt, the third largest on record. Export value increased 4% to $633.4 million, the second highest on record.
- December pork export value equated to $70.74 per head slaughtered, up 6% year-over-year and the third highest on record. The full-year average was a record $63.76 per head, up 4% from 2022.
- Pork variety meat export value equated to a record $11.09 per head slaughtered, up 9% from 2022. December exports accounted for 31.9% of total pork production and 28% for muscle cuts.
