Beef and pork exports to Central America surge in volume and value
Consumer education programs position US pork as a high-quality, center-of-the-plate protein in Central America.
Beef legs
Through the first half of 2025, US pork exports to Central America rose 20% by volume and 22% by value, reaching $282 million. US beef exports rose 8% by volume and 32% by value, reaching $103 million.
US pork exports reached record levels in Central America by volume and value in 2024, and growth continues into 2025. Lucia Ruano, the US Meat Export Federation's Central America representative, said consumer education programs are positioning US pork as a high-quality, center-of-the-plate protein in the region.
From 2020-2024, red meat exports to Central America increased 66% in volume and 115% in value, reaching $683 million.
These programs are made possible through support from USDA and the National Pork Board.
US beef exports to Central America are also reaching new heights in 2025 after a record performance in 2024. Ruano said consumers have a growing appetite for higher-end US beef cuts sold at meat boutiques, while the tourism boom is also boosting demand.
USMEF develops demand for US beef in the region with support from USDA and the Beef Checkoff Program.
Source: US Meat Export Federation
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