Twenty short years ago, the U.S. was a pork importer.

Today, 30% of U.S. pork is exported to international markets.1

In fact, U.S. pork exports have been maintaining a robust pace through April, rising 4% in both value and volume to $2.89 billion and 1.04 million metric tons.2 Mexico continues to be a top driver and is on record pace, with January to April exports climbing 7% in value to $211 million and reaching 94,500 metric tons.3

Global Demand is More Important Than Ever

International market opportunity is essential to the long-term success and stability of the U.S. pork industry – particularly as our production continues to grow. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently reported that pork production reached an all-time monthly high of 2.347 billion pounds in April, pushed by a two-pound average live weight gain.4

Working with U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the National Pork Board’s (NPB’s) international marketing work follows the same core approach to build long-term value for pork as all of our marketing efforts:

  • Understanding our customer. Internationally, this means boots on the ground and expertise to understand what consumers in different markets want
  • Relentlessly delivering what those consumers want

Bringing International Markets Into Focus 

I live and breathe this work every day in my role as vice president of international marketing with NPB; but recently, an international market experience with U.S. pork producers reminded me that this work isn’t necessarily something they think about regularly.

Yet, when brought to the forefront, it creates pride and confidence among producers. Pride in how they can help meet the food demand for customers in other countries and confidence this opportunity can continue to grow and evolve.

I remember traveling to Mexico with USMEF in 2012 and being surprised by how limited the pork offerings were in retail. Today, that has changed significantly as pork’s retail presence has grown, which is exciting and represents important progress for the U.S. pork industry.

At the recent Red Meat Symposium, sponsored by USMEF in Mexico, one observation stood out above all others.

What struck me most in Mexico wasn’t the export numbers. It was seeing consumers actively seek out U.S. pork because they associate it with quality and consistency. That’s the kind of demand that creates long-term value for producers.

That experience reinforced several things about the importance of our international work:

U.S. Pork is Recognized Globally

NPB Board of Directors member Jess Stevens attended the Red Meat Symposium and noted that, while the USMEF investment doesn’t always have great visibility for producers, it’s evident that our product is valued.

“Going in the grocery store and seeing U.S. pork on hats, on cases, and as part of YouTube features to teach people how to use it, it really shows that our brand has value,” Jess said. “People are looking to our product for quality, safety, wholesomeness and having the attributes that they want for a good eating experience.”

The Growth Potential is Real

Currently, 42%5 of U.S. Pork exports go to Mexico, and growth in that market is still possible. But as we continue to learn more about the consumer and incomes continue to rise, opportunities for growth exist.

For example, only 12%6 of pork in Mexico is eaten at home. Twelve percent! As we continue to deliver the pork quality, consistency and flavor consumers desire, USMEF also helps us help consumers feel more confident about preparing it in their home. This in-home consumption is a massive opportunity for the future of the market. By building a deeper understanding of the Mexican culture and appealing to younger consumers in the market, we can increase the percentage of pork consumed at home and, in turn, grow the market opportunity.

Global Markets Drive Pork Demand

U.S. pork is recognized globally for quality, safety, wholesomeness, and having the attributes for a good eating experience. During our time in Mexico, USMEF regional director Gerardo Rodriguez discussed how U.S. pork is differentiated in Mexico, emphasizing its quality and the overall evolution of the market.

“The perception of pork was that it used to be just a raw material for doing sausage and bologna,” Gerardo said. “Now people appreciate the quality because it’s been used in the center of the plate. So quality, marbling, tenderness, consistency, is some of the attributes that people really valued on the pork coming from the U.S.,” he said.

We’re Investing In What Matters 

Export markets are a priority growth area, which matters for pork producers’ bottom line and overall farm profitability. We can take pride in knowing that the product we raise is valued around the world for its quality, consistency, and eating experience. By continuing to invest in consumer insights, market development, and partnerships with organizations like USMEF, we are supporting today’s demand while creating new opportunities for future growth.

Some of the greatest near-term opportunities are in Central America, the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic, where growing economies, expanding tourism, and increasing populations are driving demand for high-quality protein. Looking further ahead, favorable market access could unlock even greater potential throughout the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, which represents significant long-term opportunities for U.S. pork.

International markets are more than a destination for our product. They are a critical part of building a stronger, more profitable, and more resilient future for U.S. pork.

Sources:

  1. https://porkcheckoff.org/markets/us-pork-exports/ 
  2. News & Events | U.S. Pork Exports on Robust Pace through April; Beef Exports Below Year-Ago 
  3. News & Events | U.S. Pork Exports on Robust Pace through April; Beef Exports Below Year-Ago 
  4. https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/april-pork-production-record-large-for-the-month/
  5. U.S. Meat Export Federation, “USMEF Helps Pork Exporters Respond to Mexico’s Anti-Dumping Probe,” January 2026. https://usmef.org/audio-report/usmef-helps-pork-exporters-respond-to-mexico-s-anti-dumping-probe 
  6. U.S. Meat Export Federation, “Bolstering Mexico’s In-Home Consumption of U.S. Pork,” March 2026. https://usmef.org/audio-report/bolstering-mexico-s-in-home-consumption-of-u-s-pork