U.S. pork exports really brought home the bacon in May, reaching a record high in both weight and volume. May saw 224,667 metric tons exported totaling $665 million dollars, according to data released by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Mexico continues to be the leading market for U.S. pork but the Domican Republic showed huge promise, with a 126% increase in YOY import volume. This is likely impacted by the 20% reduction in domestic production due to African Swine Fever (ASF) virus over the last year. Adding to the demand and fueling the record pace in the DR, there was a strong demand from tourism revitalization, which generally calls for higher-end cuts.

Read more on the record month for U.S. pork exports.