The U.S. pork industry ran its streak of record setting export years to 16 in 2007, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation.

Overall, pork exports increased 3 percent in volume over 2006, surpassing 1.3 million metric tons (nearly 2.9 billion pounds). The value of those exports jumped 10 percent over 2006, exceeding $3.15 billion. Pork muscle cut exports also increased 3 percent in volume and 10 percent in value while pork variety meat exports increased 5 percent in volume and 14 percent in value.

Japan remains the top destination for U.S. pork, accounting for 36 percent of value of all U.S. pork exports. Japan imported 358,582 metric tons (more than 790 million pounds) of pork in 2007, a 6 percent increase over the prior year. Those imports were valued at $1.152 billion, an 11 percent jump over 2006.