Effects of PEDV Help Fuel U.S. Pork Growth to Mexico

While porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has had a significant impact on the U.S. market, the effects may be even more dramatic in Mexico, where the World Animal Health Organization reports Mexican officials have found the virus in 17 of the 19 states where testing has been conducted, according to National Hog Farmer. That has led to reduced domestic pork supplies at a time when the Mexican economy continues its rebound from the peso devaluation in the fall of 2008 and the subsequent economic downturn.

The first four months of 2014 show a 16% increase in volume of U.S. pork sales to Mexico, reaching 221,249 metric tons (487.8 million pounds). Those exports are valued at $475.3 million, a 37% rise over 2013 levels. They make Mexico the top volume market and No. 2 value market for U.S. pork exports.