In August, the total export volume of pork products in the United Stateswas41.80 million lbs, increased7.11 percent from the previous month, and 0.65 percent year-on-year. The positive in the latest data is that exports to a number of key markets in the Americas but also Asia remain quite robust. Mexico has become by far the largest buyer of US pork. Total exports to Mexico in August were 8.10 percent higher than a year ago. By comparison export to Japan, the second largest market for US pork, were decrease 9.45 percent. US exports of fresh/frozen and cooked pork to China were 27.31 percent less than a year ago.
     Total pork production this year is forecast at 25.857 billion pounds, some 900 million pounds (+3.6%) higher than a year ago. Very strong pork exports in the first half of the year helped absorb a good portion of this supply increase. US pork exports in 2017 are forecast at 5.753 billion pounds, 514 million pounds (+9.8%) higher. Next year, pork supplies are expected to increase by a similar amount. Total output is projected to be 26.731 billion pounds, 874 million pounds higher than in 2017. However, exports are forecast to increase by just 212 million and imports are forecast to decline by 160 million.