October Pork Exports Surge as Beef Shows Recovery

Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.

LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD NEWS) — U.S. pork exports strengthened in October, posting their largest monthly totals since March and signaling renewed momentum for global demand, according to USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Pork shipments reached 264,657 metric tons, up 5 percent from a year ago, with export value rising 7 percent to $762.1 million.

Mexico led the advance, delivering record-large shipments and anchoring gains across Central America, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines. Additional records were set in Honduras and Guatemala. Through the first 10 months of 2025, pork exports totaled 2.43 million metric tons, just 2 percent below last year’s record pace, with China remaining the primary drag due to retaliatory duties on U.S. pork variety meats.

Beef exports also showed improvement. October shipments totaled 93,448 metric tons, down 11 percent year over year but the strongest volume since June and sharply higher than September. Export gains to Japan, Taiwan, Canada, ASEAN markets, and Colombia partially offset continued restrictions in China. Excluding China, beef exports were only modestly lower year-to-date.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong pork demand and improving beef exports outside China support protein markets despite ongoing trade barriers.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Meredith Petersen joined us to discuss the National Swine Health Strategy, how it was developed through industry collaboration, potential challenges ahead, and its expected benefits for pork producers.
U.S. Soybean Export Council CEO Jim Sutter joins us to discuss the impact of new trade development funding for U.S. soy.
Steady Panama Canal operations help support more predictable shipping conditions for global agriculture.
Lower slaughter numbers reduced 2025 red meat output even with heavier cattle and hogs.
Grain movement stayed active, with barges showing the strongest weekly gain while rail and ocean signals remained mixed.
Purdue economist Dr. Joana Colussi discussed the U.S. and Brazil’s reliance on imported fertilizers and their impact on global food security amid rising input costs.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Spring Weather Splits Conditions Across American Farm Country
Florida’s import rule shows New World screwworm concerns are already affecting livestock movement and market conditions.
Rep. Adrian Smith joins us to discuss the push for nationwide year-round E15 sales and legislative hurdles for getting it into the farm bill.
Diversified risk tools help protect farm income.
The Supreme Court’s ruling could affect pesticide warning claims well beyond Roundup. Richard Gupton with the Ag Retailers Association joins us to explain the importance of federal pesticide labeling standards and discuss the potential impact on the ag industry and supply chain.
Rural population growth supports long-term stability of the ag workforce.