Tough year for US pork ends on a high

08-Mar-2016 - Last updated on 08-Mar-2016 at 12:17 GMT

US pork exports tipped to rise as new markets, like South Africa, open for trade

Despite struggling for most of the year, exports of US pork ended a testing year on a good note trade growing by 3% in December, according to Pork Checkoff.

Pork has had better years on the international stage. In Europe, prices are at an eight-year low as Russia’s continued trade ban continues to devastate the industry. And according to the insight firm, which sits under the US National Pork Board, the average export value of pork dropped by 23% last year, when compared to full-year data from 2014.

Fortunately, December was a storming month for the US’ international pork trade, but the rise was not enough to offset the overall decline.

Strong competition

“Without a doubt, 2015 was a difficult year for US pork exports,” said Becca Nepple, vice president of international marketing for Pork Checkoff. “The west coast port slowdown, market access challenges, the strong US dollar and strong competition led to last year’s decrease in exports.”

Over 2015, US pork exports came to $5.58bn (€5.08bn) in value, according to data from the National Pork Board. This is a fall of 16% when compared to the same period in 2014.

South Africa ends de facto ban

“With projections for increased pork production this year, the Checkoff is committed to strengthening its partnership with our international customers,” Nepple said in a press statement. “The National Pork Board has allocated funding toward focused in-country promotions of US pork with the US Meat Export Federation during 2016,” she said.

Projections for US pork exports are tipped to increase after the opening of trade with several countries, most recently South Africa which agreed to lift a de facto ban on US pork imports.