US retail pork prices in April were primarily lower compared to the previous month, however varied against year-ago prices. Wholesale pork values were also lower overall on the month, but also primarily lower compared to the year previous.
- US retail bacon climbed +0.4% from the month previous with the average April price at $7.01/lb, bringing the latest prices +5.6% over year-ago levels. For comparison, current retail bacon prices are 14 cents over the 3-year average for the month of April. Wholesale belly values fell -4.2% in April to $137.64/cwt, with current values +11.1% over the year previous. Notably, wholesale belly values are $4.78/cwt over the 3-year historical average.
- All retail chops were down -2.2% to $4.24/lb for April, bringing the latest retail chop prices a modest +0.2% over last year. For comparison, current retail price levels are $0.07 over the 3-year average for the month of April. Boneless chops fell -3.4% to $4.61/lb, bringing boneless chops +2.2% over last year. Bone-in chop prices declined -1.0% to $4.45/lb, bringing the cut +2.8% over year-ago levels. Wholesale loin values dipped -0.4% lower from the previous month to $87.86/cwt in April, bringing current loin values -10.1% under last year. Notably, April loin values are $4.14/cwt under the 3-year historical average.
- All retail hams fell -1.0% lower to $4.45/lb for April, bringing hams -0.8% under year-ago levels. Current retail price levels are $0.24 over the 3-year average for the month of April. Boneless hams declined -2.3% to $5.47/lb on the month, bringing the cut -2.2% under last year. Wholesale ham values averaged $83.96/cwt which was down -3.7% from March values, bringing the latest values -3.1% under year-ago levels and $3.35 under the 3-year average.
- The category reporting other retail pork prices fell -1.5% to $3.68/lb, bringing other pork -1.0% under last year. Current levels are 5 cents over the 3-year average for the month of April.
