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USMEF expects strong year for pork in ‘24

The president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation says pork exports are in a strong position to start the year.

Dan Halstrom tells Brownfield purchasing power picked up steam in 2023 despite some economic challenges. “We’re looking at somewhere in an 8-to-10% growth range year on year and the value side more than likely will be a new record in the neighborhood of $8.1-to-$8.2 billion in sales.”

He says market diversification has been the biggest factor. “I think Latin America in general is a great story, not just Mexico, but places like Guatemala, Panama, etc. That in addition to our normal stronghold in Asia, which turned in not a record year but a pretty solid year as well.”

Halstrom says he expects a boost in sales to Asian markets now that they are seeing a gradual recovery from COVID-19 restrictions.

AUDIO: Dan Halstrom – USMEF President & CEO at 2024 Iowa Pork Congress