The U.S. pork sector entered 2025 with strong momentum, as January pork production rose nearly 1% year-over-year, totaling an estimated 2.5 billion pounds. This increase was driven by both higher slaughter volumes (11.4 million head) and slightly heavier carcass weights.
Notably, hog prices surged, with January live prices averaging $80.19/cwt, up more than 19% from the same period in 2024. Wholesale pork values followed suit, averaging $91.07/cwt, signaling robust consumer demand that helped processors absorb rising input costs.
Strong demand also spilled into the feeder pig market, with:
-
Early-weaned pigs averaging $79.96/pig in January — nearly double the price a year ago.
-
40-pound feeder pigs climbing to $102.82/pig, more than twice the January 2024 value.
2025 pork production is forecast at 28.5 billion pounds, up 2.7% from 2024, while hog prices are projected to average $63.50/cwt, a 3.2% increase.
On the export front, December pork exports held steady year-over-year at 646 million pounds, with Mexico remaining the largest destination. Gains in exports to China and Hong Kong (+55%) helped offset declines to Japan and South Korea. For 2025, total U.S. pork exports are forecast at 7.3 billion pounds, up 2.5% from last year.
