Strengthening Global Demand

Strong global demand kept U.S. Pork exports moving in 2025, delivering one of the industry’s top-performing years on record. While export totals came in just shy of 2024’s all-time high, the year reinforced the growing footprint of U.S. Pork.

“Demand for U.S. pork remains strong in key international markets, and we’re seeing encouraging demand signals across several regions for our producers’ products,” said Andy Tauer, vice president of international markets at the National Pork Board (NPB). “That really starts to solidify U.S. Pork’s footprint in the Western Hemisphere.”

2025 U.S. Pork Export Highlights

🚢 2.9 million metric tons (mt) exported
💰 $8.4 billion in value

Key Highlights:

  • Mexico: Achieved its fifth consecutive record year, with volume up 7% (1.236 million mt) and value up 10% ($2.85 billion) over previous highs.
  • Central America: A powerhouse year for Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Annual volume grew 10% (182,249 mt), with value jumping 13% to $592.7M.
  • The Caribbean: Fueled by the Dominican Republic and Cuba, the region saw a 31% spike in December, pushing full-year value to a record $417.7M.

 

Source: USMEF, Feb. 20, 2026 Press Release
Explore U.S. Pork Export Data

Strategic Partnerships Drive Results

Driving long-term value for producers is a priority for NPB’s strategic plan. One of NPB’s three core goals is increasing the long-term value of pork by promoting pork in the marketplace.

NPB partners with the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to execute international marketing programs on behalf of the Pork Checkoff. Through boots-on-the-ground teams in key regions, USMEF positions U.S. Pork as a high-quality and consistent protein option worldwide.

Adding Value Through Product Innovation

Even in challenging markets, strategic programming continues to create opportunities.

In Japan, for example, USMEF has highlighted success with the “Tonkatsu” program, promoting U.S. Pork loin in a popular breaded pork cutlet dish. Pork loins can be a challenge domestically from a cutout-value perspective, but aligning U.S. Pork with established consumer preferences in Japan has helped drive demand for this specific cut.

“That partnership and regional experts are key,” Tauer said. “Without their understanding of what that market is looking for, we wouldn’t be able to deliver on a product like that.”

Looking Ahead to 2026

As early 2026 weekly data become available, indicators point toward another strong year for U.S. Pork exports.

“We’re off to a good start,” Tauer said. “We’ll continue to lean into our partnership with USMEF and their experts around the globe to help guide where we invest producer dollars.”

With diversified markets, strong Western Hemisphere demand and strategic global partnerships, U.S. Pork is positioned to build on 2025’s momentum, continuing to grow international demand and long-term value for producers.