Demand for U.S. Pork Up Sharply in Central America

Exports of U.S. pork to Central America are up sharply in 2026, rising 11% in volume (130,987 metric tons) and 15% in value ($377 million) over last year's record pace. U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Representative for Central America and the Dominican Republic Lucia Ruano says her team has been working to move pork beyond sausages and other processed items to be a center of the plate feature. They have been providing education for everyone ranging from importers and retailers to chefs and consumers to present new ways to include U.S. pork in weekly meals.

One region in particular has seen encouraging growth. While the political landscape in Nicaragua limits the ability to do workshops and other activities, a partnership with La Colonia Supermarket in Nicaragua has garnered 55% growth in the chain's U.S. pork loin sales.

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