The global poultry meat market

Poultry meat is the most popular and affordable source of animal protein in the world. The most common type of these products today is chicken, which is distinguished by its low cost and ease of production (chickens were among the first birds to be domesticated by humans).

Ducks, geese and turkeys are also currently being bred for meat on an industrial scale. Duckling and goose are distinguished as more fatty and high-calorie types of meat, rich in various vitamins and minerals, and also used in a number of well-known national cuisines (such as Peking duck and foie gras). Turkey meat, in turn, belongs to dietary and hypoallergenic products: it has a denser structure, is low in fat and high in protein, surpassing other types of poultry meat in these indicators. In addition to these types of poultry, meat from quails and guinea fowl, as well as feathered game (grouse, snipe, partridges, etc.) is consumed in many countries, but the capacity of this market is limited due to the small production volumes.

The global demand for poultry meat is historically determined by its high nutritional value and availability, as well as cultural and religious factors. For example, Islamic norms prohibit the consumption of pork, devout Hindus do not eat beef, and lamb dishes are virtually absent from the cuisine of most Southeast Asian countries. As a result, in a number of regions, such traditions contribute to the steady growth in demand for poultry as a primary source of protein (along with fish) and the inclusion of such meat in many national recipes. In recent decades, additional factors contributing to the popularity of poultry meat have been its compatibility with almost any other ingredients, as well as its promotion as a healthier alternative to red meat. As a result, the market for these products is currently seeing a rapid expansion of the range on offer, from chilled and frozen semi-finished products to sausages and delicacies.

The Asian region leads in terms of poultry meat production and consumption. In particular, China accounts for about a quarter of global demand for this product. China is the second most populous country in the world, with a rapidly developing economy and ancient culinary traditions. Pork traditionally dominates the Chinese meat market, but white meat is also in high demand in the country, and in 2023 its consumption reached a record level. This trend is associated with the recent regional outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), which has significantly reduced the supply of pork, as well as with changing consumer preferences and the development of industrial chicken meat production. Currently, inexpensive white broilers used in stews and soups, as well as duck, goose, and guinea fowl meat, are in the highest demand in China.

Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia also play an important role in the Asian poultry market today. For example, Malaysia has the highest per capita consumption of poultry meat in the region (and one of the highest in the world) – more than 53 kg per year, which is primarily due to the characteristics of the local cuisine and religious factors – the majority of local residents are Muslims.

In Vietnam, the growth in demand for chicken in recent years is linked to the consequences of African swine fever and the development of national poultry farming, with Vietnamese consumers preferring fresh meat (especially whole carcasses) purchased at traditional markets. Indonesia, in turn, stands out from other Southeast Asian countries in that it is completely self-sufficient in chicken meat (producing over 4 million tons of this product annually) and is actively increasing its exports.

In Europe, poultry consumption has been growing steadily in recent decades, primarily due to its perception as a healthier alternative to red meat. Affluent European consumers value this product for its high protein content and culinary versatility. For example, chicken is traditionally widely used in the region, both in home cooking and in catering. At the same time, one of the main trends in the European market today is the increase in the share of organic meat obtained from poultry raised using free-range methods and in compliance with strict EU standards for animal welfare and ecology. Also, against the backdrop of the trend towards healthy lifestyles in European countries, there is a steady increase in demand for turkey as a more dietary type of meat. The largest poultry meat producers in Europe are Poland, Italy, and France, where intensive poultry farming with a high degree of automation is developed.

In the Western Hemisphere, the United States, Brazil, and Mexico are the leaders in poultry production and consumption. The first two countries are the world's largest exporters of this product, while the latter is one of its key importers. There are also certain differences in poultry consumption traditions in the American states. For example, frozen meat is not popular among locals in Brazil, as it is perceived as being of lower quality than fresh meat (due to large production volumes, fresh broiler meat is available throughout the country, while frozen products are usually exported). In the US market, on the other hand, there has been an increase in demand for ready-made meat products and growth in sales in the catering sector – key players in the HoReCa segment are the fast food chains Chick-fil-A (specialising in chicken sandwiches) and KFC (offering exclusively chicken menu items). In addition, the US is the world leader in turkey production, which was historically domesticated in America and is traditionally the main dish on Thanksgiving and Christmas. In Mexico, chicken is the most common type of meat along with pork and is included in such world-famous dishes as burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas.

Demand for poultry meat in the Middle East and Africa is currently growing rapidly due to population growth, urbanization, the relative cheapness of this product compared to other types of meat, and religious factors (most of the region's inhabitants are Muslim). In the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, market development is further facilitated by rising disposable incomes among the local population, an increase in the number of wealthy expatriates, and the expansion of the hotel and restaurant sector against the backdrop of stable tourist flows. As a result, per capita consumption of poultry meat in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar is quite high, at around 40–50 kg per year. At the same time, due to limited opportunities for the development of poultry farming, the region is heavily dependent on imports, and, for example, broiler meat from Brazil, the US, and Europe is actively sold here both through modern retail chains and in specialized meat shops.

Global market

Global meat production in 2024 reached a record level of 357.7 million tons, which is 8.6% more than in 2019. According to available forecasts, by 2030, this volume will increase to 380.4 million tons. In the structure of global production of the main types of meat, the largest volume traditionally falls on poultry meat, whose share in 2024 was estimated at 39.7% (141.9 million tons). Pork (34.9% or 124.8 million tons in 2024) and beef (20.7% or 73.9 million tons) also account for a significant share of production. Lamb is produced in the smallest volumes among the main types of meat (4.8% or 17.1 million tons at the end of the year).

The most notable growth in recent years has been noted in pork production, with output increasing by 15.7% between 2019 and 2024. This positive trend is primarily due to the recovery of China's pig farming sector (in 2019, due to the ASF outbreak, global pork production fell by 9.2% – from 118.7 million tons to 107.9 million tons, including China lost 21.2% of its national production volume – over 11 million tons). Lamb production also developed dynamically in 2019–2024 – global production of this product increased by 9.4% over the period.

Global poultry meat production increased by 6.2% (or 8.3 million tons) to 141.9 million tons between 2019 and 2024. The sharpest increase (2.8%) was recorded in 2020 and was primarily due to the situation in China, where the outbreak of African swine fever led to a significant decline in pork production, and consumers partially replaced it with poultry meat.

In 2021 and 2023, poultry meat production practically stagnated. In 2021, this trend was explained by high feed prices and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the slowdown in growth in 2023 was caused by increased production costs due to large-scale outbreaks of avian influenza in key producing countries. Nevertheless, poultry meat remains the most common type of meat in the world: according to available forecasts, by 2030, the volume of production of this product will reach 153.7 million tons.

Asia is the largest poultry meat producing region, accounting for 38.6% of global production (54.8 million tons) in 2024. Latin America also accounts for a significant share (21.1%, mainly due to Brazil, which accounts for more than half of regional production) and North America (17.6% or 25.0 million tons, of which more than 90% is produced by the United States). European countries produced about 16.4% of the world's poultry meat in 2024 (the regional leaders are Poland, Italy, and France), while Africa and Oceania accounted for 5.1% and 1.2% of global production, respectively, at the end of the year.

At the same time, the structure of production of these products changed insignificantly between 2019 and 2024: the share of Asia, Africa, Oceania, and Latin America increased slightly, while the share of Europe and North America decreased due to slower production growth.

The development of poultry farming is currently significantly influenced by the market situation for grain crops (corn, soybeans, etc.) used in feed. In 2020–2022, global prices for feed grain increased significantly, which led to an increase in the cost of meat and negatively affected the growth rate of its production. In 2023, on the contrary, there was a relative easing of price pressure, which contributed to a more significant increase in global production. At the same time, the situation varied from region to region: for example, in Asia and Africa, poultry meat production stagnated in 2023 precisely because of persistently high feed prices in a number of countries.

China is the leading producer of poultry meat among countries, accounting for 16.8% of global production in 2024 in volume terms (23.8 million tons). The United States ranked second at the end of the year with a share of 16.5% (23.4 million tons). The top five poultry meat producers also included Brazil (10.8%), the EU countries (9.6%), and Russia (3.8%). Together, these players accounted for 57.6% of global production of this product in 2024.

Currently, the most serious risk to poultry producers is posed by periodic outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza. In 2021–2023, major outbreaks were detected in Europe and North America, as well as in a number of countries in Asia and Africa. In the US, since the virus was detected in February 2022, the epidemic has affected nearly 1,700 farms, resulting in the culling or death of more than 168 million birds. In EU countries, from October 2021 to September 2022, more than 2,500 local outbreaks of avian influenza were recorded, resulting in the death of about 50 million birds. In South Africa in 2023, 6.8 million birds died or were culled as a result of infection, including about 20% of the local laying hen population and almost 30% of the broiler parent stock population. Although the global market has so far successfully coped with such shocks (usually by redistributing supplies from countries with a favorable veterinary situation, such as Brazil and Australia), any serious epizootic in the future could once again have a significant negative impact on the market.

Global poultry consumption has been increasing in recent years, mainly due to the affordability of chicken meat against the backdrop of rising food prices and declining real incomes in a number of countries. Thanks to its low price, demand for chicken meat as a cheaper source of protein is growing at a faster rate, especially during periods of economic hardship. In addition, the outbreak of African swine fever in 2019–2020 significantly reduced global pork production, which also contributed to consumers' shift toward poultry meat. At the same time, the global market for this product is generally balanced: by 2024, global consumption had almost equaled total production, reaching 141.9 million tons, which is 7.8% higher than in 2019.

An important factor in the development of the global meat market today is the expansion of the product range in response to consumer demand. In particular, in developed countries, where residents are concerned about environmental issues, poultry farming conditions, and the use of antibiotics and growth hormones, there is growing demand for organic and environmentally friendly products. This trend is forcing producers (mainly in Europe and North America) to invest in improving poultry farming methods, which increases production costs. In addition, innovations in the plant-based meat substitute segment, which remains a niche market but has the potential to slow the growth of traditional meat consumption in a number of countries in the long term, are having a certain impact on the meat market.

Asia is the largest consumer region for poultry meat, accounting for 41.6% of global sales of this product in 2024 in volume terms. The second largest consumer region is Latin America, with a share of 19.6%. Europe and North America accounted for 15.7% and 15.3% of the market, respectively, at the end of the year. African and Oceanic countries also account for about 7.9%. Asia's share of global poultry consumption is slightly higher than its share of production, as the region also imports significant volumes of this product. At the same time, North and Latin America, on the contrary, consume less than they produce and actively export surpluses.

Demographic trends in developing countries are considered an important factor positively influencing the poultry meat market. Population growth and rising incomes in Asia, Africa, and Latin America are driving demand for animal protein. In addition, chicken consumption in these regions is stimulated by urbanization and lifestyle changes (more frequent eating out, development of fast food chains). However, in a number of the poorest countries, demand growth is hampered by local economic problems. Thus, the total production and consumption of poultry meat on the African continent in 2023 declined, mainly due to the crisis in Egypt (lack of currency to purchase feed, sharp price increases, and the ruin of small poultry farmers) and the downturn in South Africa (bird flu epidemic and power outages in areas where poultry farms are located).

Among countries, China is the leading consumer of poultry meat, accounting for approximately 24.4 million tons, or 17.2% of the global volume in 2024. Despite a 2.7% decline in domestic demand for this product compared to 2023, the Chinese white meat market is developing fairly steadily, primarily due to the important role of chicken, duck, and goose meat in local cuisine. In 2024, the US and the EU accounted for 14.2% and 8.9% of global poultry consumption, respectively. In Western countries, demand for this product is growing steadily thanks to its promotion as a healthier alternative to red meat, as well as against the backdrop of increasing inflationary pressure. In Latin America, the largest consumers of poultry meat are Brazil (7.8% of the global volume in 2024) and Mexico (3.6%), where chicken is in demand as the most affordable source of protein and is included in many national recipes.

The level of poultry meat consumption per capita varies significantly from country to country, due to both cultural differences and differences in income levels. The global average for this indicator in 2024 was estimated at approximately 17.9 kg per person. The highest consumption of poultry meat per capita is recorded in countries with developed poultry farming and an abundance of meat recipes in the national cuisine, for example, in the United States (59.6 kg/person in 2024), Brazil (52.2 kg/person), Australia (52.2 kg/person), Saudi Arabia (47.0 kg/person), and Mexico (38.4 kg/person). In EU countries, the consumption of chicken, duck, and goose meat is usually 26.5–28.5 kg per year. In China, this indicator was 17.3 kg/person in 2024.

The lowest consumption of white meat per capita is in developing countries with low incomes, such as India, where residents eat only 2–3 kg of poultry meat per year. At the same time, in many of these countries, demand for this product is growing as urbanization and incomes increase: consumers are switching to a more protein-rich diet, and poultry is often the first affordable choice for them, along with fish. Thus, according to forecasts, there is significant potential for the development of the chicken market today in sub-Saharan Africa.

Poultry meat imports

In 2023, global poultry meat imports amounted to 13.4 million tons worth US$24.2 billion. Compared to the record level in 2022, the indicator remained virtually unchanged in volume terms, while declining by 5.7% in value terms. Overall, global imports of this product increased by 3.0% in volume terms and 25.1% in value terms between 2019 and 2023.

Frozen chicken parts and by-products consistently account for the bulk of global poultry imports: in 2023, such products accounted for 69.2% of total purchases in volume terms (9.2 million tons) and 64.2% in value terms (US$15.5 billion). The share of uncut frozen chicken carcasses in the global purchase structure at the end of the year was 14.4% (1.9 million tons) and 14.3% (US$3.4 billion), respectively. Fresh or chilled poultry parts and offal accounted for 10.0% of total imports in volume terms (1.3 million tons) and 11.8% in value terms (US$2.9 billion) in 2023, while uncut fresh or chilled poultry carcasses accounted for 2.2% (287,500 tons) and 2.9% (US$704.0 million), frozen parts of carcasses and offal of turkeys – 2.1% (274,800 tons) and 2.7% (US$646.6 million), respectively. The share of other types of poultry meat in the structure of global imports at the end of the year was 2.2% in volume terms and 4.1% in value terms.

The world's largest importer of poultry meat in volume terms is China, which purchased 1.5 million tons of this product in 2023 (10.9% of global imports). Mexico (1.0 million tons or 7.6% of global imports) and Saudi Arabia (626,200 tons or 4.7%) took second and third place in the list of major poultry meat buyers at the end of the year. The top five importers in volume terms also included Japan (4.6%) and the UAE (4.3%). In total, the 10 largest buyer countries in 2023 accounted for 49.2% of global poultry meat imports in volume terms.

Between 2019 and 2023, China (+60.6% or +549.4 thousand tons), the UAE (+14.6% or +73.4 thousand tons), and the Philippines (+16.5% or +60.2 thousand tons) increased their poultry meat purchases the most. At the same time, poultry meat purchases by South Africa (-22.4% or -124.4 thousand tons), EU countries (-18.7% or -94.6 thousand tons), and the United Kingdom (-13.5% or -80.5 thousand tons) decreased.

In terms of value, China was the largest importer of poultry meat in 2023, purchasing more than US$3.6 billion worth of this product (14.9% of global imports). The UK (US$1.9 billion or 8.1% of global imports) and Japan (US$1.5 billion or 6.1%) also accounted for a significant volume of imports at the end of the year. In addition, Mexico (5.9%) and Saudi Arabia (5.1%) were among the top five importers of this product in terms of value. In total, the top 10 countries accounted for 57.2% of global poultry meat imports in terms of value in 2023.

During the period 2019–2023, the main growth in global poultry meat imports in value terms was provided by China (+79.4% or +$1.6 billion), the UAE (+41.5% or +$333.4 million), Iraq (+40.9% or +$254.8 million), and Mexico (+28.0% or +$310.7 million). At the same time, Hong Kong significantly reduced its purchases (-37.7% or -$474.9 million).

Poultry meat exports

In 2023, global poultry meat exports amounted to 13.4 million tons worth $24.1 billion. Compared to 2022, the indicator increased by 0.7% in volume terms and decreased by 6.0% in value terms. At the same time, in 2019–2023, global exports of this product grew by 2.4% in volume terms and by 24.1% in value terms.

Frozen poultry parts and by-products consistently account for the bulk of global poultry exports: in 2023, they accounted for 69.0% of exports in volume terms (9.3 million tons) and 63.8% in value terms (US$15.4 billion). The share of uncut frozen chicken carcasses in the overall supply structure at the end of the year was 14.6% (2.0 million tons) and 14.5% (US$3.5 billion), respectively. Exports of fresh or chilled poultry parts and offal in 2023 reached 9.9% of the global volume in volume terms (1.3 million tons) and 11.8% in value terms (US$2.8 billion). Frozen turkey parts and offal accounted for 2.2% of global supplies in volume terms (292,800 tons) and 2.9% in value terms (US$709.3 million) at the end of the year, while uncut fresh or chilled chicken carcasses accounted for 2.2% (288,700 tons) and 2.9% (US$694.8 million) respectively. The share of other types of poultry meat in the structure of global exports at the end of the year was 2.2% in volume terms and 4.0% in value terms.

The largest suppliers of poultry meat to the world market in volume terms in 2023 were Brazil (4.9 million tons or 36.2% of world exports) and the United States (3.8 million tons or 28.0%). The EU countries (11.3%) were also among the leading exporters at the end of the year, with Poland (3.9% or 525,500 tons) and the Netherlands (2.9% or 394,700 tons) being the main players. In total, the top 10 countries supplying poultry meat to the global market in 2023 accounted for 93.3% of global exports of this product in volume terms.

Between 2019 and 2023, the most significant increases in poultry meat supplies were from Brazil (+23.5% or +926,300 tons), Thailand (+47.2% or +149.5 thousand tons), Russia (+32.0% or +130.5 thousand tons), and China (+39.0% or +88.5 thousand tons). At the same time, exports of these products from the EU (-28.5% or -604.1 thousand tons), the UK (-51.8% or -200.5 thousand tons), and Belarus (-17.2% or -27.4 thousand tons) decreased over the same period.

In terms of value, Brazil accounted for the largest share of poultry meat exports in 2023 (US$9.0 billion or 37.5% of global exports in value terms), followed by the US (US$4.9 billion or 20.3%) and EU countries (US$3.4 billion or 14.0%) . Among the latter, Poland (4.3% or US$1.0 billion) and the Netherlands (4.2% or US$1.0 billion) supplied the largest volumes. In total, the top 10 countries supplying poultry meat to foreign markets in 2023 accounted for 93.0% of global exports of this product.

In 2019–2023, there was a significant increase in the value of poultry meat exports from Brazil (+37.5% or +$2.5 billion), Thailand (+67.1% or +$550.3 million), and Russia (2.2 times or $379.4 million). At the same time, supplies from Chile (-11.0% or -$42.1 million) and Belarus (-8.1% or -$20.9 million) decreased.

Price situation

Poultry meat prices on the world market during 2019–2023 were characterized by significant volatility, mainly due to changes in feed costs and periodic outbreaks of avian influenza. After rising in 2021–2022 due to higher feed ingredient costs and supply chain disruptions, poultry meat prices on the international market began to decline in 2023, reflecting the recovery in global feed crop supplies, mainly corn and soybeans.

The average import price of poultry meat at the end of 2023 decreased by 5.5% compared to 2022 and amounted to US$1,810 per ton. Among the leading importing countries, the most expensive products were purchased by the United Kingdom (at a price 2.1 times higher than the world average), Hong Kong (42.3% higher), China (37.2% higher), and Japan (30.8% higher). The lowest purchase prices were recorded in South Africa (62.9% below the world average), the Philippines (46.4% below) and Mexico (22.9% below).

The average export price of poultry meat in 2023 was US$1,792 per tonne, which is 6.7% lower than in 2022. The most expensive products among the leading exporting countries were supplied by Chile (79.5% above the world average price) and Thailand (64.0% above). The lowest prices were recorded for poultry meat from the United Kingdom (31.7% below the world average price) and the United States (27.5% below).

The most expensive type of imported poultry meat is fresh or chilled whole chicken carcasses – in 2023, the price of a tonne of this product fell by 3.5% to USD 2,448. The lowest prices at the end of the year were recorded for frozen parts of carcasses and by-products of chickens (US$1,680 per ton) and uncut frozen carcasses of chickens (US$1,794 per ton).

The most expensive type of exported poultry meat is frozen turkey carcass parts and offal – in 2023, the price of a tonne of this product fell by 7.1% to US$2,423. The lowest prices at the end of the year were recorded for frozen poultry parts and by-products (US$1,659 per ton) and uncut frozen poultry carcasses (US$1,784 per ton).

The most expensive types of imported poultry meat are goose meat (US$5,826 per ton) and duck meat (US$4,214 per ton). The lowest prices at the end of the year were recorded for poultry fat (US$866 per ton) and chicken meat (US$1,762 per ton).

The most expensive types of exported poultry meat are goose meat (US$6,207 per ton) and duck meat (US$3,860 per ton). The lowest prices at the end of the year were recorded for poultry fat (US$811 per ton) and chicken (US$1,744 per ton).