Iowa companies exported more than $1 billion worth of pork in the first 11 months of 2010, achieving the highest level in state history before the December numbers are tallied.
Since 1998, Iowa’s exports of the "other white meat" have increased fivefold and account for 23.6 percent of total United States pork production. Japan was the largest customer of Iowa pork in 2010, purchasing $440 million or 43.8 percent of total pork exports. Mexico was the second-largest customer, buying $126 million or 12.6 percent of the total.
Canada was No. 3, purchasing $119 million worth of pork and accounting for 11.8 percent of export demand.
Gov. Terry Branstad, echoing comments he made last month at a forum in Marion, said market expansion is the key to additional pork export growth.
"The more we can open overseas markets such as Korea and China, the more we can help our Iowa companies take advantage of export opportunities," Branstad said Tuesday. Branstad has announced plans to lead a trade delegation to Korea later this year.
Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development, said Iowa companies exported pork to 43 countries last year. "Not only does exporting generate billions of dollars annually, it also allows Iowa companies to expand operations and create quality jobs for Iowans," Durham said.
John Weber, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, said the record level of pork exports is welcome news for Iowa’s pork producers.
"Exports are critical to the success of the industry," Weber said. "The Iowa Pork Producers Association started foreign market development activities in 1989 and has generally taken two foreign trade missions a year. In 1995, the U.S. became a net exporter of pork and that status remains today."
The value of all exports of Iowa manufactured and value-added goods to 185 countries in the first 11 months of 2010 was $9.9 billion.
Source: The Eastern Iowa Business