Exports of U.S. pork to Japan are up nearly 20% in 2026, showing an impressive rebound, according to U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom. The market has seen challenges such as high energy costs and a weak yen against the U.S. dollar, but some of the value sectors in the market, such as ramen noodle chains and bento box companies, have been increasingly leaning on U.S. pork loin and pork butt.
Halstrom explains that demand for U.S. pork products has increased as Spanish pork exports have been kept out of Japan since late last year due to African swine fever (ASF). Japan has not recognized ASF regionalization in Spain, which currently provides expanded opportunities for U.S. product. But as Halstrom notes, this also highlights the importance of finalizing a U.S. regionalization agreement with Japan.
Through May of 2026, the U.S. has exported more than 160,000 metric tons of pork to Japan valued at $614 million.
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