US pork exports to Mexico stay strong despite slowdown

July was another strong month for US pork exports to leading destination Mexico, even though shipments were below the massive year-ago totals, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Exports totalled 92,524 mt, down 8% year-over-year, while value reached $228.4 million – down 7% from a year ago but still the second highest this year (after the near-record in June) and the sixth highest on record. Mexico accounted for 10.9% of US pork muscle cut production in July and from January through July, up from 10.6% in the same period last year.

Through July, exports to Mexico were 2% above last year’s record pace at 678,815 mt, while value increased 6% to $1.53 billion.

Fuelled by surging demand in Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Panama, pork exports to Central America are also on a record pace in 2025. July shipments to the region climbed 35% from a year ago to 14,563 mt, while value increased 36% to $47.4 million. July shipments were the third highest on record to both Costa Rica and El Salvador. Through July, exports to Central America jumped 22% in volume (103,823 mt) and 24% in value ($329.4 million).