As the pork industry continues its push to expand global demand, the importance of both established and emerging markets is more evident than ever. While long-standing trade relationships remain vital, there’s growing momentum behind newer and evolving partnerships. One standout example is Vietnam, a market that’s showing steady growth and increasing value for U.S. pork exports. It’s a promising sign for producers looking to diversify their global reach.
We spoke with Dr. Trachelle Carr, Senior Director of International Technical Affairs for the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), last week at the World Pork Expo. Our conversation came just days after a Vietnamese delegation visited Des Moines to sign Memoranda of Understanding aimed at strengthening trade relations. Dr. Carr says the agreements are a promising step forward and reflect Vietnam’s interest in expanding its partnership with the U.S. She adds that this kind of engagement gives real hope for sustained growth in the region.
Even though Vietnam is smaller in size compared to many of our other trading partners, its dense population and strong demand for “variety cuts” — products that are less commonly consumed in the U.S. — make it an ideal market for American pork. These cuts, which often have limited value domestically, are highly sought after in Vietnam, creating a win-win opportunity for both producers and consumers. It’s a clear example of how understanding cultural preferences can help unlock new value in global trade.
Dr. Carr notes that while current tariff structures aren’t ideal, they’ve opened the door to meaningful conversations with countries already engaged in trade discussions. She says the pork industry is using this momentum to negotiate broader, more comprehensive partnerships. That access, she adds, is helping move talks forward more quickly.
Beyond the progress with Vietnam, Dr. Carr highlights growing opportunities in the United Kingdom, where trade access has recently improved and sparked renewed interest. She also points to the Oceania region—particularly countries like Australia and New Zealand—as having strong potential for future growth. These markets represent the next wave of expansion for U.S. pork exports.
The U.S. pork industry is actively working to expand into new markets, strengthen emerging trade relationships, and reinforce long-standing partnerships around the globe. These efforts are vital to ensuring long-term demand and stability for American pork producers. With strong support from the NPPC, these strategic trade initiatives are moving forward with purpose and momentum.
