U.S. Pork Exports to Central America Soar to New Heights
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U.S. pork exports to Central America were record-large in 2024, breaking previous highs in both volume and value. Lucia Ruano, U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) representative in the region, says consumer education programs, made possible through support from USDA and the National Pork Board, have helped position U.S. pork as a high-quality, center-of-the-plate protein.
The record performance for U.S. pork was achieved despite some obstacles in Panama, which has imposed a cap on pork imports that is inconsistent with its obligations under the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. Ruano says this has frustrated importers and led to some product shortages, including pork ribs sought by restaurant chains.
U.S. pork has full, duty-free access to all other Central American countries under the Central America-Dominican Republic-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
In 2024, pork exports to Central America increased 21% year-over-year, reaching 166,000 metric tons. Export value climbed 29% to $523 million.