Pork exports face headwinds in 2022

by | Jun 14, 2022 | 5 Ag Stories, News

We came off a strong year of pork exports in 2021. It was the second-largest year on record for shipments of our products around the globe. But this year, things are off to a slower start. China has its herds back up around pre-COVID levels, and they are also facing pandemic lockdowns, which is slowing their demand.

We are seeing a downturn in exports and in export value as the year wears on. As of April, we are 20% behind last year at 1.8 billion pounds of pork exported. Values are down 18% at $2.3 billion. National Pork Board Director of International Market Development Clay Eastwood talks about the challenges being faced this year.

There are still good numbers in at-home consumption, and that is being seen around the globe. NPB is working with the U.S. Meat Export Federation to capture that market.

Eastwood says as summertime numbers come in, we will start to see those lockdown figures change. We are also at the beginning of the summer cookout season.

While Chinese figures are wearing down the numbers, Mexico continues to see growth in its market numbers. Japan is also seeing a slowing in sales of American pork, but that is attributed to a declining population. The Dominican Republic is also one of a few countries seeing exponential growth.