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Exports of U.S. pork remained relatively strong in November but were below the large total reported in November 2024, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Beef exports were significantly lower year-over-year, due in large part to the ongoing lockout by China. Lamb exports were a bright spot, posting the largest volume since July and highest value since May.
Exports of U.S. pork totaled 254,085 metric tons in November, down 7% from a year ago but the third largest of 2025. Exports were valued at $720.8 million, down 8% year-over-year but also the third highest of 2025. November exports increased year-over-year to Mexico, South Korea and the Dominican Republic and were record-large to Guatemala, but these results were offset by lower shipments to China, Japan, Canada and Colombia.
“The pork export numbers continue to be impressive, with broad-based growth mostly offsetting the obstacles in China,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “It was especially gratifying to see per-head export value topping $70 in November, which is excellent news for U.S. producers and for the entire pork supply chain.”
Following an encouraging rebound the previous month, November beef exports took a step back, falling 19% from a year ago to 88,139 mt. Export value was down 16% to $736.7 million. The decline was driven primarily by China, where exports remain minimal due to China’s failure to renew registrations for U.S. beef plants and other market-closing factors, but beef exports also trended lower year-over-year to Korea, Mexico, Canada and Taiwan.
“With each day U.S. beef is locked out of the world’s largest import market, our industry misses out on millions of dollars and our competitors reap the benefits,” Halstrom said. “It’s also frustrating that this impasse overshadows the fact that global demand for U.S. beef remains resilient, even in the face of tight supplies.”
USMEF news release
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