Rabobank suggests modest herd development and low feed prices are supporting a positive outlook for the U-S pork industry.
The bank's latest Global Pork Quarterly Report says the main wild card for prices is trade.
Rabobank analyst Albert Vernooij says the ongoing strength of the U-S dollar and sufficient availability from other exporters could hamper American pork exports.
Vernooij says stalling supply and strong import demand in China will support the recovery of the global pork market above what had been expected.
He's forecasting a higher-than-expected recovery of the Rabobank five-nation hog-price index.
The bank report says that recovery will support pressured prices across the globe.