The latest US livestock and meat trade data reflected total US pork exports at 548.7 million pounds for May, up 20.0 million pounds from April levels and 139.1 million pounds under highs of last year.
Major destinations for US pork generally recorded moderately increase volume on the report. US pork to Mexico recorded the largest increase, up 8.5 million pounds from April and reached a new historical high for the month of May historically. US pork to Australia rose 6.8 million pounds, and volume to the country continues to rebound following the lows recorded in late 2021. The Philippines increased their imports of US pork by 6.2 million pounds or +205% into May, returning to a more typical seasonal volume after the low recorded a month earlier. US pork to South Korea rose 5.8 million pounds for May, while China* (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) increased 2.9 million pounds and Canada climbed 1.3 million pounds.
US pork to Japan fell 5.6 million pounds, slipping below typical levels for this time. Other destinations such as Guatemala, Chile and the Dominican Republic recorded more moderate declines, each generally 1.0-1.3 million pounds lower for the month of May. Notably, US pork to the Dominican Republic continue at historical highs while Chile records nearly 5-year lows.
Total US pork imports fell 10.9 million pounds or –8.3% lower than April, bringing current imports 42.2 million pounds or +54.4% above year ago levels. Imports from Canada edged 1.2 million pounds higher or +1.6%, bringing US imports from Canada 23.5 million pounds or +47.6% over year ago levels. Notably, the US imported 32.9 million pounds more pork from Canada than it exported to the country for the month of May. US pork imports from Denmark fell 3.4 million pounds or –21.4% from a month earlier though continue among the strongest historically, and are 7.6 million pounds or +157.4% over last year. Imports from Poland declined 2.4 million pounds or –22.5% from April but are up 2.5 million pounds or +44.1% over year ago levels.
