Russell comments on pork exports to Mexico

(Audio with Chad Russell, the U.S. Meat Export Federation’s regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic)

One of the factors driving worldwide growth in U.S. pork exports has been the resurgence of sales in Mexico. As Chad Russell, who is based in Mexico City as USMEF’s regional director for Mexico and the Dominican Republic, explains, pork exports to Mexico slowed somewhat in 2007 due to heavy supplies of domestic pork available in that market. But those conditions have changed, and U.S. pork producers are capitalizing on an important growth opportunity. Pork exports to Mexico have increased about 17 percent in 2008, as the industry strives to recapture the record levels achieved in this market back in 2006.

Audio Clip #1:              :30        Outcue:           “… turning to U.S. pork. ”

Russell says Mexico is a price-sensitive market, but still a very promising region for further growth. Already the largest importer of U.S. beef, Mexico is now the third-largest export market for U.S. pork, and second-largest market for pork variety meats.

Audio Clip #2               :26        Outcue:           “… sales to Mexico.”  

#  #  #

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (www.USMEF.org) is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.