The latest US livestock and meat trade data reflected total US pork exports at 528.7 million pounds for April, down 15.5 million pounds from March levels and 126.3 million pounds under last year. Notably, year ago levels represent the historical high for the month of April, with 2021 recorded at 655.0 million pounds. Current US export levels continue more in-line with recorded pre-pandemic levels.
US pork to Mexico recorded the largest decrease on the latest report (after recording the greatest rise on the previous report), down 19.7 million pounds from March levels yet reached a new historical high for the month of April historically. US pork to Canada fell 11.3 million pounds, remaining on the low side for this time seasonally. US pork to Honduras and the Philippines also made notable declines from the previous month. Honduras dropped -24.5% or 3.8 million pounds lower into April while the Philippines fell -38.5% or 1.9 million pounds from last reported.
US pork to Japan increased 7.1 million pounds, followed by rises to Colombia up 5.7 million pounds and Dominican Republic which rose +24.3% or 5.1 million pounds from March volume. Pork to China* (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) climbed 2.4 million pounds, with a 3.2 million pound increase to the mainland offset by declines to Hong Kong and Taiwan. Notably the portion of total US pork exports to China* averaged 8.9% for April, down from the 12.5% for 12-month average.
Total US pork imports for April edged 2.1 million pounds or -1.6% lower, bringing current imports 43.1 million pounds or +49.1% above year ago levels. Imports from Canada fell 12.3 million pounds or -14.7%, bringing US imports from Canada 16.0 million pounds or +28.7% over year ago levels. Notably, the US imported 33.0 million pounds more pork from Canada than it exported to the country for the month of April. Imports from Mexico declined 2.4 million pounds or -20.1% from March and are up 3.3 million pounds or +52.7% over last year. US pork imports from Denmark increased 7.4 million pounds or +88.3% from a month earlier and 10.1 million pounds or +177.3% over last year, reaching strong rates not surpassed since the mid-1990's.
