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NPPC lauds 2023 pork export figures

The National Pork Producers Council says 2023 exports have been a bright spot for the industry.

Economist Holly Cook says pork sales soared higher the first half of the year and have held steady since. “We’re up 8.1% year to date. USDA is expecting that we will end up about 6.6% for the year and up another 2.8% next year, which of course is subject to a lot of different factors.”

She says Mexico has been a major bright spot. “Mexico continuing to account for a very significant portion of our total muscle cut exports and 8% growth in that category.”

Data from the U.S. Meat Export Federation shows pork exports were valued at more than $5.3 billion through the first eight months of 2023, a 9% increase from last year.

Cook spoke during a recent pork industry webinar hosted by the Iowa Farm Bureau.