The latest US livestock and meat trade data recorded increased US pork exports in the month of October. Total US pork exports at 539.7 million pounds were up a modest 26.7m pounds from a month earlier and 1.1m pounds under last year. Current US pork exports are down 720.1m under last year-to-date, largely attributed to the strong export rates recorded in the front-half of 2021.
Increased pork exports overall for October reflect increased quantities shipped to Mexico and China*. Mexico surged 17.9m pounds on the month with current export levels 1.1m pounds under year ago levels, though still considered very strong historically. Mainland China increased their imports of US pork by 5.1m pounds in the latest data, bringing total exports to China* (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) 5.7m pounds over previously reported and 10.0m pounds over last year. Other destinations for US pork such as Dominican Republic, Honduras, Chile and Guatemala each increased generally 3m-5m pounds over September levels.
US pork to Japan, Canada and Colombia recorded notable decreases from previously reported. Japan fell 8.4m pounds in October, bringing current exports 1.6m pounds under last year, while pork to Canada declined 6.1m pounds on the month and is 2.2m pounds under year-ago levels. US pork exports to Colombia fell -2.1m on the latest report, brining them 11.1m pounds under year-ago levels.
Total US pork imports for October climbed 2.3m pounds or +2.2% from the month previous, bringing the latest imports 11.4m pounds or -9.9% under last year's strong record levels. Imports from Canada increased 1.1m pounds or +1.6% on the month, bringing imports from Canada down 6.7m pounds or -9.0% under last year.