Pork Trends 

Loins 

Both the bone-in and boneless pork loin markets increased, with sharper gains in the boneless. Seasonal demand is fair but improving, and supply is good due to larger, seasonal harvest levels, according to analysts. Historically, both loin markets have shown a tendency to increase slightly in February.

Tenders 

The pork tenderloin market remained unchanged from the prior week. The USDA continues to report varying levels of promotional frequency in the retail space. Historically, upward recovery in this market tends to slow during February.

Butts 

Downward momentum in the pork butt market stalled, leaving the market unchanged from the prior week. Supply is cyclically strong, and demand has increased, given the value in this market, according to analysts. The USDA has been reporting steady but varying levels of ad placement for butts. Historically, the butt markets tend to decline in January and possibly February.

Ribs 

Backribs and light spareribs increased, while St. Louis-style spareribs dipped lower and medium-sized spareribs were unchanged. Seasonal demand remains fair to weak, although forward booking demand has been supportive, according to analysts. Historically, both the backrib and sparerib markets begin to increase slowly and steadily at this time of year.

Bellies/Bacon 

The belly market composite continued to edge slightly higher. The market seems to have stabilized following the recent, seasonal correction, according to analysts. Historically, the belly markets are strong during January and February.

Hams 

The ham markets continued to rebound higher, as the post-holiday correction has resulted in the markets falling to levels that have encouraged demand, according to analysts. Historically, the ham markets typically stabilize by mid-January, and begin to trend stronger in February, although analysts note that export and forward demand for Easter can cause fluctuations.

Trimmings 

The 72% lean and 42% fat trimming markets reversed lower. Historically, the trimming markets move higher from January into March.

Picnics 

The bone-in picnic market continued to fall, but at a considerably slower rate of decline compared to prior weeks, while the boneless picnic market continued higher. While the bone-in market historically corrects following the end-of-year holidays, the boneless market historically has shown subtle strength in January, with more consistent gains in February and March.