By DOUG SCHMITZ
Iowa Correspondent

DES MOINES, Iowa — A new report released last month by the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) revealed the state’s pork exports in 2010 hit a record high, exceeding $1 billion, which was the highest in Iowa’s history.

“Exporting more than $1 billion in pork products is exciting,” said Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. “Market expansion is key to Iowa’s business and industry growth and 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.”

According to the report, from January through November, 2010, Iowa companies exported $1,005,022,505 in pork products, setting a new record for Iowa pork exports in 2010 the first 11 months of last year, which will be even higher when December 2010’s figures are tallied.

Since 1998, Iowa’s pork exports have increased fivefold and account for 23.6 percent of total U.S. pork production. The total overall exports of manufactured and value-added goods for January through November 2010 were $9.868 billion going to 185 countries.

IDED Director Debi Durham said the new record demonstrated why Iowa leads the nation in pork product exporting, as well as producing.

“Iowa companies exported pork products to 43 countries in 2010,” she said. “Not only does exporting generate billions of dollars annually, it also allows Iowa companies to expand operations and create quality jobs for Iowans.”

The landmark increase in pork product exports illustrates that “Iowa’s pork industry is producing a highly sought after product at very competitive prices,” she added.

Iowa’s top pork product export markets for 2010 included: Japan ($440 million) 43.8 percent of total; Mexico ($126 million) 12.6 percent of total; Canada ($119 million) 11.8 percent of total; Hong Kong/China ($91 million) 9.1 percent of total; and Russia (61 million) 1.6 percent of total.

“Exports are critical to the success of the industry and this is wonderful news for Iowa’s pork producers, who work very hard to responsibly produce quality, nutritious and affordable products,” said John Weber, president of the Iowa Pork Producers Assoc. (IPPA).

“The IPPA started foreign market development activities in 1989 and has generally taken two foreign trade missions a year since,” he said. “In 1995, the U.S. became a net exporter of pork and that status remains today.”

Weber said Iowa’s network of service providers and companies are actively building networks that are strengthening the state’s position as an export leader through efforts of foreign offices in Germany and Japan, trade representatives in China and Mexico, numerous trade missions, trade shows and hosting inbound delegations.

“The Iowa Department of Economic Development supports all Iowa agriculture, particularly the pork industry, and we’re very grateful for the department’s leadership and efforts to build, maintain and strengthen our foreign markets,” he said.