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
Thailand will not replace major corn buyers overnight, but renewed access could create another outlet for U.S. corn demand.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition joins us to discuss the proposed federal gas tax suspension, fuel cost pressures, and what the policy could mean for agriculture and transportation.
Agri Stats would no longer be allowed to show participant lists, rankings, or “flags,” and it could only report individual company data in narrow situations.
China’s soybean buying is shifting hard toward Brazil, leaving U.S. shipments at risk of slowing as South America’s record crop reaches export channels

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:

Lower slaughter numbers reduced 2025 red meat output even with heavier cattle and hogs.
Diversified risk tools help protect farm income.
Grain movement stayed active, with barges showing the strongest weekly gain while rail and ocean signals remained mixed.
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.
Bridge payments are helping, but many producers still face losses and tight margins. AEM’s Curt Blades joins us to discuss how the current farm economy is pressuring equipment demand.