Pork prices expected to stay high during holidays

TYLER – Experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service have reported that pork prices are expected to stay within record levels as the holidays approach, according to our news partners at KETK. AgriLife Today reported on Tuesday that average pork prices in stores were at the highest point of the year in July. July’s average price was $5.01 per pound which was up from $4.92 per pound in July of 2024.

“Supplies remain tight as U.S. pork production has edged lower due to reduced sow numbers, despite gains in productivity per litter,” AgriLife Extension livestock and food marketing economist and professor David Anderson Ph.D. told AgriLife Today. “Consumers should expect higher prices this fall because production is about the same as last year and we’re not seeing expansion in the herd. “Without more production, prices are going to stay high.”

Anderson said that part of why prices are so high is because of reduced exports of U.S. pork following recent tariffs. According to AgriLife today, last year saw the United States exporting an average of 38 million pounds of pork to China every month but for May that figure was down to just 4 million pounds.

“Mexico continues to be our strongest partner, while China’s demand has dropped significantly due to trade barriers,” Anderson said. “Those shifts ultimately feed back into the U.S. market and help explain why prices remain firm across most cuts.”

For East Texas, AgriLife Today noted that hay production has continued despite declines in rainfall leaving livestock in fair to good condition. The publication did note that Armyworms and Bermuda grass stem maggots have been reported in East Texas pastures.

Anderson expects pork prices to stay high ahead of the peak demand for pork during November and December.

“Unless we see a meaningful increase in production, high prices are here to stay into early next year,” Anderson said.