Beyond the July Slowdown: Where U.S. Pork Trade Is Gaining Ground
Growth in Japan and Central America highlights why pork buyers need a market-by-market view of trade flows.
A softer month can obscure a more complex trading picture. U.S. pork exports fell in July 2026, but shipments over the first seven months remained ahead of the previous year. For international buyers, the useful story lies in the differences between destinations—and in how market access affects individual products.
According to USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), July exports reached 224,305 metric tonnes, down 6% year on year, with value also declining 6% to US$641.8 million. January–July exports nevertheless reached 1.73 million tonnes, up 2%, while value increased 1% to US$4.86 billion. These figures include pork cuts and offal unless otherwise stated.
Japan and Central America gain momentum
Japan was a clear source of growth. July shipments rose 10% to 29,239 tonnes, while January–July volumes increased 16% to 218,946 tonnes. Pork loin remains an important product in this trade. USMEF also links expanded opportunities for U.S. suppliers partly to Japan’s suspension of Spanish pork imports following African swine fever.
Central America is also becoming more significant. July shipments increased 11% to 16,155 tonnes. Over the first seven months, regional volumes rose 10%, while export value grew 14%. Honduras and Guatemala remained key markets, alongside strong growth in Costa Rica. Taken together, Central American destinations overtook Canada as the fifth-largest destination by volume for U.S. pork.
Colombia and Canada add to the growth picture
Colombia’s July imports from the United States increased 5% to 10,375 tonnes, with value rising 12% to US$30 million. January–July results reached records for the period in both volume and value.
Canada also recovered, with July volumes up 10% to 14,411 tonnes. Its January–July volumes increased 8%, reinforcing the contrast between growing destinations and markets where shipments weakened.
Mexico shows how restrictions can affect shipment timing
Mexico remained the leading destination, but July shipments declined 3% to 89,421 tonnes. Restrictions associated with pseudorabies virus (PRV) continued to affect the month’s results, particularly for offal, even though they were lifted during mid-to-late July. Removing a restriction does not immediately restore production and shipping schedules.
BMD perspective: plan by product and destination
Our reading of these results is that procurement decisions benefit from a closer look at product categories and destination markets. An overall decline does not imply that availability or demand is moving in the same direction everywhere.
For buyers, this means checking current market access, confirming product eligibility and shipment timing with suppliers, and reviewing alternative origins where appropriate. Export growth alone does not establish price competitiveness or immediate availability.
July’s figures offer a useful planning signal: regional demand and access conditions deserve as much attention as the headline total.
Source: USDA export data compiled by USMEF, January–July 2026. BMD International analysis. USMEF export report.
