U-S pork producers are facing a “good news – bad news” scenario when it comes to exports.  On one hand, pork exports for the past fiscal year have declined.  However, 2022 pork exports are projected to be the third best year for U-S pork trade.  The National Pork Board reports pork exports have fallen by as much as 18 percent from last year’s record level.  Traditional buyers of U-S pork such as China and Japan have dropped off, but Latin American and Caribbean countries are increasing their demand for U-S pork.  Courtney Knupp is the vice president of International Marketing Development with the National Pork Board.  She says this past year our neighbors to the south have been the best customer for U-S pork products.  Knupp says in addition to Mexico, the Dominican Republic has been a good buyer of U-S pork, although some of that growth can be attributed to African Swine Fever hitting the island nation and wiping out the domestic swine herd.  Knupp says the National Pork Board is concentrating on the western hemisphere as a region to stimulate additional pork exports.  She says there are many logistical reasons for pursuing the region.  Another reason, she says, it is easier to transport pork products to Latin America than it is to southeast Asia.  The National Pork Board official says the people of Latin America have increased their consumption of pork products due to having more disposable income.