US pork balance is decided by export destinations and cut-specific demand

The US pork market is relying increasingly on exports to balance production running above year-ago levels and weak domestic demand, according to a CoBank analysis updated on 30 October. The bank reports that its retail pork-demand index fell to its lowest level since 2020 ahead of the grilling season. At the same time, USDA expects 2026 pork exports to reach 7.2 billion pounds, 2.9% above 2025.