The February export numbers show demand for U.S. pork continues to grow with year-over-year. Courtney Knupp, vice president of international market development with the National Pork Board, said the return to strength in pork demand has been anticipated for a while and those numbers show in both value and volume.
?That’s 11 percent up in volume but ten percent in value,? Knupp said. ?We’re thrilled to see very strong performance continue with our variety meats exports- those were actually at 40 percent. And that’s just huge because it’s one of the top record months for those products.?
Knupp said that demand for U.S. pork in Mexico continues to increase for hams and variety meats.
?Up nine percent ahead of last year’s record pace in volume, and 36 percent higher in value,? Knupp said. ?So, we’re just thrilled with the Mexican market and continuing our relationships there and strengthening those conversations to chase those opportunities between our exporters and the importers.?
Knupp said Panama has become an area of focus for U.S. pork, and a recent delegation trip gave them the opportunity to talk about the product and cuts available.
?Panama is one of the higher income countries in that region,? Knupp said. ?So, you see the full gamut from product going into further processing, but also branded products that retail that are would be considered higher value, but we’re also putting a lot of resources into continuing to promote the pork loin in Central America.?
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