The U.S. Meat Export Federation reported USDA numbers indicating that exports to Mexico grew 11 percent year-over-year to 111,207 metric tons. Export value increased nine percent to $246.9 million, the sixth-highest on record. Through the first 11 months of 2025, exports to Mexico were seven percent above the record pace of 2024 at 1.12 million metric tons, while value increased 11 percent to $2.58 billion. Andy Tauer, vice president of international market development at the National Pork Board, explained which products are consumed in Mexico.
The variety meats increase going there, and with our inability to ship some of those into China due to the tariff rates, that’s helped us on the cutout value tremendously. Bacon is up. Feet, primarily, is one of the offals that’s really shown a surge here through the first half of the year, and we’ve also seen some cured and brine products starting to pick up in that marketplace.”
Mexican producers and buyers want to hear from producers about the values they hold, and partnerships with the U.S. Meat Export Federation help maintain this line of communication, while showcasing the unique cuts and cuisines. Tauer said it’s essential to remember that Pork Checkoff dollars used with USMEF are then matched by USDA dollars, creating numerous opportunities.
“And not to mention, you know, our friends over on the soy and the corn side, the Z-pork is value-added, and they put some money in. And I know there are several of the state commodity checkoff boards that invest in that Mexico market as well, through USMEF, and they’ve got a great team down there, with boots on the ground, real-world, real-time intel on how the market is changing, evolving, and just do tremendous work.”
NPB’s international market development strategy builds confidence in U.S. pork by diversifying market cuts, developing emerging markets, and differentiating itself from competitors. Visit porkcheckoff.org to learn more.