Southeast Asia continues to play a vital role in sustaining US pork exports, with July shipments to the Asean region rising 8% year-on-year to nearly 10,000 tons, data from the US Meat Export Federation show.
Export value climbed 13% to USD 20 million, driven by robust demand in the Philippines and Vietnam. The Philippines imported over 7300 tons—its highest monthly total in more than two years—while Vietnam took in nearly 2000 tons.
Pork variety meat was a key contributor, with the Philippines taking in more than 4100 tons and Vietnam importing over 700 tons for the second consecutive month.
From January to July, Asean imports totaled 42,971 tons, down 9% in volume but only 1% in value. The Philippines now ranks as third largest destination for US pork variety meat, with Vietnam in eleventh place. Thus, Southeast Asia is now a key market for US pork, especially as exports to other regions slow due to trade and economic challenges.
Regional demand supports export stability
While US pork exports in July were 1% below the previous year, they accounted for a bigger share of total production. Export value fell 4% to USD 680.9 million, largely due to a 10% drop in pork variety meat prices—driven in part by China’s higher tariffs. Despite this, demand in key Asian markets remained firm, with variety meat exports showing broad-based growth.
Japan maintained consistent demand, with July imports slightly above the previous last year’s level at26,629 tons. Export value slipped 3% to USD 105.9 million, reflecting a shift toward frozen rather than chilled pork. From January through July, Japan’s imports were down 9% in volume and 11% in value.
China, though challenged by a steep 57% tariff, remained a significant buyer of US pork variety meat. July exports to China held steady at 36,461 tons, though export value fell 13% to USD 77.6 million. For the year to date, shipments were down 16% in volume and 17% in value, with the sharpest occurring in April and May when tariffs peaked.
Variety meat drives export value
Across all markets, pork variety meat exports rose 9% in July to 50,609 tons, the second highest volume this year. Growth was led by increased shipments to Mexico, Asean, Central America, Colombia, and Japan. However, for the year to date, variety meat exports were still down 10% in volume and 11% in value.
In July, US pork exports added an average of USD 66.31 in value for every animal processed, just slightly below last year’s strong result. Exports made up 30.7% of total pork production, 1% higher than the previous year. Muscle cuts accounted for 26.1% of that total, showing steady global demand.
These numbers show how important overseas markets have become, especially in Southeast Asia, where demand for variety meat and frozen cuts remains strong. Despite trade challenges and global uncertainties, Southeast Asia remains a dependable growth area for US pork exporters looking to stay competitive.