US pork exports in the first two months of 2026 increased by 2%, reaching $1.37 billion.
According to USDA data, US pork and lamb exports grew steadily in the first two months of 2026, while beef exports fell by 12% in volume due to the closure of the Chinese market.
The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) reveals a clear divergence in the U.S. meat export industry in early 2026. While pork and lamb exports maintained growth momentum, beef exports recorded a significant decline in volume, primarily due to trade barriers in the Chinese market.
Pork prices maintain growth momentum in key markets.
In the first two months of 2026, US pork exports reached 493,372 tons, a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Export value reached $1.37 billion, a slight increase from the record high of 2024. In February 2026 alone, export volume reached 242,511 tons with a value of $678.8 million.
Mexico continues to be the leading consumer market with import volume reaching 205,329 tons in the first two months (up 4%), valued at US$459.4 million. Notably, the Japanese market saw a strong recovery with a 21% increase in volume, reaching 55,328 tons. Other markets such as South Korea, Central America, and Taiwan also recorded stable growth.
In terms of economic value, the average export price in February 2026 reached approximately US$67.28 per slaughtered pig, a 2% increase compared to the same period last year.
Beef faces difficulties in China, offal becomes a bright spot.
US beef exports in the first two months of 2026 decreased by 12% in volume to 177,624 tons and by 6% in value to $1.5 billion. The main reason identified was the import ban from China. Excluding this market, US beef exports actually increased by 2% in volume and 10% in value.
| Beef Market (February 2026) | Weight (Tons) | Changes compared to 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Global | 85,066 | -13% |
| Mexico | 17,590 | +2% |
| Taiwan | 4,200 | +5% |
| South America | 1,758 | +17% |
In contrast to the decline in beef carcass exports, beef offal exports have seen a dramatic increase. In the first two months of the year, the volume of offal exports reached 51,592 tons (up 9%), but the value surged by 43% to $232 million. Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam are strong markets for offal products such as beef tongue and brisket.
Market outlook for lamb and new deals.
Exports of lamb cuts reached their highest level since May 2025, totaling 326 tonnes in February 2026, a 52% year-on-year increase. Overall, in the first two months of the year, exports of this product increased by 20% in volume and 13% in value, driven by demand from the Caribbean and Central America.
The Middle Eastern market also shows positive signs as Saudi Arabia lifts technical barriers to US beef. The USMEF expects exports to this market to soon exceed $100 million per year. In addition, bilateral trade agreements with Taiwan and Ecuador are expected to further expand opportunities for US red meat in the future.
