Pork producers have faced one of the most challenging years as domestic consumer demand has not kept up with high production levels and California’s Prop 12 has disrupted sales.

A bright spot that helps bolster prices is increased exports. Shipments to Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and other trading partners are forecast to grow by 9% this year. The U.S. has also captured market share from the Caribbean and other regions that traditionally sourced pork from Europe.

These increased exports are a welcome development as California’s Prop 12 took effect at the beginning of the year. The animal housing requirement in this proposition forced companies to move products to other states. California consumes 13% of the nation’s pork. As prices spike due to the legislation, sales have fallen about 20% since January.

Read more about pork export demand helping to offset domestic demand here.