Hopeful outlook for US pork exports in the second half of the year
Not only Germany and Europe are suffering from low pork exports, but also the world's largest exporter, the USA. Compared to the previous year, the Americans have lost around 4 % in volume to date. Exports to Russia, which have fallen to zero, accounted for the largest share of the decline. Exports to Hong Kong/China also fell by 9% in the first half of the year. However, Chinese imports have risen steadily in recent months and reached their highest level so far this year in May 2013.
To compensate for this, US exports to neighboring Mexico have risen by around 10% and, with an increase of 40,000 tons, have made up for the decline in other regions. Exports to Japan, which are traditionally stable, grew by a modest 4%.
Exports to China in particular are expected to continue to rise in June. Sales there could well increase if more pork producers were to stop using Ractopamine additives.
There appears to be little room for increasing European exports in this area of activity.
