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
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says USDA has been preparing for a New World screwworm outbreak for more than a year as officials expand sterile fly production and containment efforts in Texas.
Markets Analysts and Livestock Experts Say Screwworm Adds Costs for Producers, Not Food Safety Risks
Ethanol, sorghum, dairy, and cotton provide additional export support as major commodity trade markets remain uneven.
Consumers are watching affordability, but projected beef demand remains strong enough to sustain market attention.

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:

USDA will elevate its “Plant Not Plastic” initiative and promote American cotton over synthetic fibers.
The investigation does not prove wrongdoing, but it raises federal scrutiny of a major cost center for crop producers.
The state-level focus is split between labeling and sales restrictions.
For decades, U.S. agriculture has planned around feeding a growing world. Experts say that trend could reverse course in the next 30 years.
The reports cover biodiesel, diesel, gasoline grades, ethanol, aviation fuel, kerosene, and specialty fuels.
Textile strategist Robert Antoshak says responsible fashion is not dead, but voluntary sustainability language is not enough on its own.