Strong rises to Mexico and to mainland China supported monthly US pork exports higher. The latest US livestock and meat trade data reflected total US pork exports at 512.4 million pounds for August, up 28.4 million pounds from July levels and 13.5 million pounds under last year.
US pork to Mexico rose 26.5 million pounds, reaching a 5-month high in a move similar to last year. Compared to a year ago, exports to Mexico are up 7.4 million pounds and 267.7 million pounds over last year-to-date. As the largest importer of US pork, Mexico accounted for 38.1% of the total US pork exports for August and 36.7% of the 12-month average. Mainland China jumped 17.4 million pounds in the latest data, while Hong Kong and Taiwan recorded modest volume decreases which were statistically significant, down -12.3% and -26.7% respectively. US pork exports to Canada climbed 2.8 million pounds for August, however is 3.0 million pounds under year ago levels; while pork to the Philippines increased 1.7 million pounds on the report, bringing US pork to the republic 4.7 million pounds over last year.
Other major destinations for US pork slipped in August. Volume to Australia was down the most and continues at low levels historically, falling 6.3 million pounds on the month and is 4.9 million pounds under last year. US pork to Japan fell 6.0 million pounds, bringing volume 20.4 million pounds under year-ago levels and has also fallen to low historical levels. South Korea declined 3.9 million pounds however is up 11.6 million over last year while Colombia and Guatemala each fell around 1.7-1.8 million pounds for August, down 1.2 and 3.6 million pounds from last year, respectively.
Total US pork imports for August rose 8.2 million pounds or +7.9% over July, bringing current imports +2.1% above strong year-ago levels. Imports from Canada rose 5.3 million pounds or +8.2% for August, the strongest recorded for the month of August since 2005, bringing them +5.6% over last year. Notably, the US imported 30.2 million pounds more pork from Canada than it exported to the country for the month of August.
