US pork exports are projected to reach $8.4 billion in 2025, the second highest in history.
Total US pork exports are projected to reach $8.4 billion in 2025, with a volume of 2.94 million tons, recording record growth in the Mexican and Central American markets.
According to market data, total US pork exports in 2025 are projected to reach 2.94 million tons, a 3% decrease from the record high of 2024. However, this still represents the third-highest export volume ever. In terms of value, exports reached $8.4 billion, also down 3% from last year, but still maintaining its position as the second-highest revenue in the industry's history.
Overview of the US pork export market in 2025
In December 2025, pork exports reached 257,846 tons, equivalent to a value of US$746 million. Although both volume and value decreased by approximately 3-3.5% compared to December 2024, this was still the third best-performing month in 2025. Notably, demand in markets such as South Korea, Japan, the Caribbean, ASEAN, and Taiwan continued its growth trend.
Below is a summary of key indicators for the US pork market in 2025:
| Index | 2025 | Compared to 2024 | Historical ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total weight | 2.94 million tons | 3% discount | Third highest |
| Total value | $8.4 billion | 3% discount | Second highest |
| Export of offal (volume) | 547,271 tons | 7% off | But |
| Organ exports (value) | $1.18 billion | 9% off | But |
Mexico maintains its leading market position.
Mexico continues to be the most important market, setting a record for the fifth consecutive year. Specifically, exports to the country reached 1.236 million tons (up 7%) with a value of $2.85 billion (up 10%). In December 2025 alone, exports to Mexico reached 113,819 tons, the second highest level in the history of this market.
In addition, the Central American region also recorded a new milestone with a 10% increase in volume (182,249 tons) and a 13% increase in value ($592.7 million). The main contributing countries to this result include Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Over the past five years, exports to this region have seen a breakthrough growth of 84% in volume and 146% in value.
Fluctuations in other key areas
In the Caribbean, strong demand from the Dominican Republic and Cuba pushed total annual exports to a record $417.7 million, a 10% increase compared to 2024. Conversely, the Colombian market saw a mixed performance, with volume slightly decreasing to 124,031 tons but value reaching a new record of $365.4 million, a 2% increase from the previous year.
In the Asian market, South Korea witnessed a strong recovery in the second half of 2025 with six consecutive months of growth. However, overall for the year, export volume to this country still decreased by 4%, reaching 206,631 tons. Conversely, export volumes to other major markets such as China, Canada, and the Oceania region tended to decline over the past year.