Audio: U.S. Pork Thriving in Central America
Published: May 16, 2011
Central America is one of the fastest growing regions for U.S. pork exports. In 2010, exports climbed
almost 50 percent in value to $93 million, and they are up by another 15 percent so far this year.
Most of the growth to date has been in Honduras and Guatemala, and Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF
Director of Trade Development, explains the marketing strategies that led to this success.
Rodriguez goes on to say that El Salvador and Costa Rica will be further developed as growth markets this year, with Costa Rica being especially attractive because of its relatively high income level. Panama is
also a potentially strong market for U.S. pork, but high tariffs currently make for a difficult economic
climate. That could soon change if the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement is ratified by Congress.
almost 50 percent in value to $93 million, and they are up by another 15 percent so far this year.
Most of the growth to date has been in Honduras and Guatemala, and Gerardo Rodriguez, USMEF
Director of Trade Development, explains the marketing strategies that led to this success.
Rodriguez goes on to say that El Salvador and Costa Rica will be further developed as growth markets this year, with Costa Rica being especially attractive because of its relatively high income level. Panama is
also a potentially strong market for U.S. pork, but high tariffs currently make for a difficult economic
climate. That could soon change if the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement is ratified by Congress.