LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — U.S. pork exports maintained a strong pace through April, while beef exports remained below last year’s level as access to China remained limited. USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation show pork demand is broadening across several key markets.
April pork exports totaled 257,212 metric tons, up 8 percent from last year, with value rising 6 percent to $718.1 million. Mexico, Japan, the Dominican Republic, Central America, and the Philippines helped drive the increase.
Through the first four months of 2026, pork exports reached 1.04 million metric tons, up 4 percent from last year. Export value also climbed 4 percent to $2.89 billion.
Beef exports moved in the other direction. April shipments fell 11 percent to 89,783 metric tons, while value declined 5 percent to $780.6 million. Excluding China, January-April beef exports were slightly higher in volume and 7 percent higher in value.
The mixed picture shows strong global meat demand, but trade access remains critical. Pork faces near-term variety-meat restrictions, while beef needs China’s barriers to be resolved.
Beef Demand Holds Strong Despite Bigger Pork Output
U.S. consumers are still reaching for beef even though the country now produces more pork than beef. Mississippi State University livestock economist Dr. Josh Maples says the difference between production and consumption shows how trade shapes the meat case.
USDA projects 2026 pork production near 28 billion pounds, compared with 25.5 billion pounds of beef. Broiler production is much larger at 49 billion pounds.
Per-person availability tells a different story. USDA projects Americans will have 60 pounds of beef available per person in 2026, compared with 49.6 pounds of pork and 105.6 pounds of chicken.
Trade explains much of the gap. The United States is expected to export roughly one-fourth of pork production, but only about 9 percent of beef production. Beef imports also add to the domestic market.
Retail prices show beef demand remains resilient. All-fresh beef reached a record $9.64 per pound in April, up 13 percent from last year, while pork was flat and broiler prices declined slightly.
