December 4, 2000

From January through September, the United States exported 942.393 million pounds of pork, 9.5% more than in the same period last year, according to the National Pork Producers Countil. The pork exported from January through September was worth about $914 million and equaled 6.8% of U.S. pork production.

Japan continues to be the number one foreign destination for U.S. pork, taking 46.7% of pork exports during the first nine months of this year. Shipments to Japan increased 8.3% compared to 1999.

The largest increase in exports is to Mexico. Through September, pork exports to Mexico increased 85.2% compared to a year earlier. As of Sept. 30, 21.7% of U.S. pork exported went to Mexico. The huge increase has three main causes, says NPPC: the North American Free Trade Agreement, a stronger Mexican economy, and promotional efforts by the U.S. pork industry.

Canada is the third biggest foreign customer, buying 10.6% of U.S. pork exports during the first three quarters of 2000. Canadian purchases are running 7% ahead of last year's pace.