Mexico stopped exporting pork to China in 2024, after reaching a peak of 279 million dollars in 2020.

According to data from China’s General Administration of Customs, this Asian nation slowed down its purchases of Mexican pork since 2021.

In China, pork is a central ingredient in daily cooking and is prepared in many ways. It is eaten stir-fried with vegetables, braised in sweet and savory sauces, or steamed as a healthier option. It is also common in dumplings, traditional soups and grilled dishes. In the south, it is enjoyed cured or smoked, especially at celebrations.

Exporting pork to China

China’s pork import market was $2.095 billion in 2024, a year-on-year decrease of 39.9 percent.

Here are Mexican pork exports to China, in millions of dollars:

• 2018: 3.
• 2019: 37.
• 2020: 279.
• 2021: 181.
• 2022: 35.
• 2023: 6.
• 2024: 0.

Chinese production

To date, no outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in Mexico. Furthermore, in the affected regions, the spread of the virus has slowed down.

On the other hand, the Mexican company KUO highlighted a key point. The recovery of pork production in China has reduced pork imports in Asia. As a result, global availability increased and prices fell. This trend continued through 2023.

KUO pointed out two important factors that occurred in 2024: on the one hand, pig production in China stabilized and, on the other hand, global prices showed signs of recovery. However, the market remains highly volatile.

Finally, the company warns that the risk of the virus reaching North America is still present. In particular, it is concerned that it could affect some of its farms in Mexico.

These are pork imports to China from around the world, in millions of dollars:

• 2018: 2,074.
• 2019: 4,509.
• 2020: 11,878.
• 2021: 9,887.
• 2022: 3,839.
• 2023: 3,484.
• 2024: 2,095.