U.S. hog exports are showing strong demand, and the return of a key buyer could mean even more momentum ahead.
Recent USDA data confirms pork sales to China moved notably as trade tensions begin to ease. Analysts say that it is a positive sign, especially with pork already performing well in recent weeks.
Market analyst Ted Seifried says that pork could be one of the biggest winners from the cooling-off period:
“You know, with that ongoing trade war, although it’s cooled off, it’s great to see China business in there, especially for pork. I’ve been saying for a while that pork might be the biggest beneficiary of this 90-day cool-off period.”
Even before China reentered the picture, pork exports had been running strong. Chip Nellinger says that the added business is a welcome sign for demand.
“You know, even without China in there, it was a strong week. You throw them in there, that’s got to be good news on that demand front. So, but, you know, that demand looks really, really good. And that’s what the third, fourth week in a row here that exports have been pretty stellar in the pork.”
Early indications suggest the U.S. cattle industry may be nearing the end of its liquidation phase. Oklahoma State University livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel says the industry could be at or near the cyclical low.
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January 29, 2026 06:00 AM
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USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
January 28, 2026 01:49 PM
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
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Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
January 28, 2026 06:00 AM
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Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
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