We have been seeing barriers with some of our global trading partners in the pork markets. China is all but closed off and we are waiting for ratification on the USMCA agreement to solidify our markets in Canada and Mexico. However, in Central America and the Dominican Republic, we are seeing a strengthening in demand for our pork products.
In 2018, we set a record in pork exports to Central America and the Dominican Republic courtesy of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). US Meat Export Federation?s Gerardo Rodriguez says in the Dominican Republic, pork has gone from being just another ingredient in a dish to becoming a centerpiece of the meal.
Rodriguez says education in the region has been key to the success of our pork exports. This includes new ways to prepare pork.
Rodriguez says CAFTA-DR has led to lower tariffs and higher tariff rate quotas.
The agreement has expanded opportunities for a wide range of U.S. pork cuts in the region’s retail, foodservice, and processing sectors.
