May pork exports continue strong 2011 trend

According to the July issue of the USDA's Livestock, Dairy and Poultry report, May pork exports of almost 409 million pounds—12.7 percent greater than a year ago—continued a trend of double-digit year-over-year increases in exports that began late last year. The top three foreign destinations for U.S. pork products in May were Japan (+16.4 percent), Mexico (+26.9 percent), and Canada (+15.1 percent), and together these three countries accounted for 66 percent of U.S.
exports.

Exports to South Korea and China rounded out the top five destinations in May. Shipments to South Korea of 30.2 million pounds were 32.7 percent higher than in May 2010; this increase is more than likely attributable to product deficits created by FMD problems earlier in the year. Moreover, the South Korean Government recently further relaxed pork import restrictions, implying that demand for U.S. pork products will likely stay strong.