Despite numerous challenges for most of 2018, sales of U.S. pork abroad remained relatively steady compared with 2017. For the year, U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports totaled 5.37 billion pounds, unchanged from 2017, and were valued at $6.392 billion, which was down 1% from 2017.

“Without a doubt, 2018 was a difficult year for U.S. pork exports,” says Bill Luckey, a pork producer from Columbus, Neb., and chair of the Pork Checkoff International Marketing committee. “Market-access challenges were the main reason.”

Pork exports accounted for 25.7% of total 2018 U.S. pork and pork variety meat production. Export value per head averaged $51.37, down 3.9% from 2017.

Despite market access challenges for many markets, 2018 export growth was strong in a few countries, including tremendous growth in South Korea and Colombia. Pork and pork variety meat exports to Korea were up 40% in volume and 41% in value, while exports to Colombia were up 39% in volume and 32% in value.

“With projections for increased pork production this year, the Pork Checkoff is committed to strengthening its partnership with its international customers,” Luckey says. “The National Pork Board increased Checkoff funding by 12.7% over 2018 to increase exports around the globe. In fact, since 2014, the Checkoff has increased international marketing funding by more than 30%.”

During 2018, more than 100 countries imported U.S. pork.

Source: National Pork Board, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.