Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 4/13/18


The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and U.S. Meat Export Federation applauded finalization this week of an export certificate that will allow fresh, frozen and processed U.S. pork exports to Argentina, saying that South American market has plenty of potential.

The agreement reinstates U.S. pork into Argentina for the first time in 25 years, eliminating a de facto ban. The market, according to NPPC, has the potential to be a $10 million-per-year market for U.S. pork producers.

“Argentina has tremendous potential for U.S. pork exports,” NPPC President Jim Heimerl said in a news release. “This is great news for America’s pork producers, who last year exported almost $6.5 billion of pork around the world.”

NPPC notes that Argentina’s per-capita income is $17,250, higher than that of Mexico, the No. 1 market for U.S. pork. According to Iowa State University economist Dermot Hayes, fresh pork consumption in Argentina has increased from about 2 pounds in 2005 to between 22 and 26 pounds today. The Argentine pork industry estimates that by 2020 consumption will increase to 35-to-44 pounds.

“This development demonstrates the Argentine government’s commitment to expanded and more open trade with the United States,” Heimerl said. “And it will help us grow our exports, which the U.S. pork industry depends on. Last year’s exports, for example, added more than $53 – representing almost 36 percent of the $149 average value of a hog in 2017 – to the price we received for each animal marketed.

USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said his group has been working to identify commercial opportunities for U.S. pork in Argentina, and will meet with importers and other prospective buyers there next week. Of primary interest so far, he said, is the Boston butt, and the group expects demand for U.S. hams, picnics and trimmings to be used for further processing.

U.S. pork exports have achieved excellent growth in South America in recent years, with most of the volume destined for Colombia, Chile and Peru. U.S. pork is also eligible for export to Ecuador and Uruguay, and recently gained access to Paraguay.

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