Global Poultry Trade: Most Imported Products and Key Market Trends

The global poultry industry remains one of the most dynamic sectors in agriculture, driven by increasing consumer demand, evolving trade policies, and advancements in poultry production. Among the most imported poultry products, frozen chicken cuts and offal lead the market due to their affordability, long shelf life, and widespread culinary applications. This article explores the key players in poultry imports, major exporting nations, and the factors shaping international poultry trade.

Most Imported Poultry Products
Top Poultry Importing Countries (2024)
1. China
2. Japan
3. European Union (EU)
4. Saudi Arabia
5. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Top Poultry Exporting Countries (2024)
1. Brazil
2. United States
3. European Union
4. Thailand
5. China
Factors Influencing Poultry Trade in 2024
1. Avian Influenza and Biosecurity Measures
2. Trade Policies and Tariffs
3. Feed Costs and Production Expenses
4. Consumer Trends and Sustainability
5. Geopolitical Factors
Future Outlook of Global Poultry Trade
Key Predictions for 2025 and Beyond:
Conclusion

Poultry imports vary by region, but frozen chicken cuts and offal consistently rank as the most traded items. These include:

• Frozen Chicken Leg Quarters – Popular in regions with price-sensitive consumers, such as Africa and parts of Asia.

• Chicken Wings – A sought-after product in North America and China, particularly for foodservice and snack industries.

• Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM) – Used as a raw material in processed poultry products, including sausages and nuggets.

• Chicken Paws and Feet – Highly valued in China and other Asian markets.

These products dominate imports because they are more cost-effective for international buyers compared to whole chickens or fresh cuts, which have shorter shelf lives and higher storage costs.

Several nations play a crucial role in the poultry import market, driven by high domestic demand, limited local production capacity, and cultural preferences. The top poultry-importing countries include:

China is the world’s largest importer of poultry products, particularly chicken paws, wings, and frozen cuts. With a growing middle class and shifting dietary patterns, demand for protein-rich foods has surged. The country imports a significant portion of its poultry from Brazil and the United States, as these countries comply with China’s stringent food safety and quality standards.

Japan relies heavily on poultry imports, particularly processed and cooked chicken products. Brazil and Thailand dominate the supply chain, meeting Japan’s strict food safety regulations and preference for high-quality meat. Japanese consumers favor boneless chicken breast and processed items such as karaage (fried chicken) and yakitori.

The EU, though largely self-sufficient in poultry production, imports specialized poultry products such as boneless cuts and processed chicken for further manufacturing. The primary suppliers are Brazil, Ukraine, and Thailand. The region’s strict animal welfare and food safety regulations influence import trends.

As one of the largest consumers of halal-certified poultry, Saudi Arabia depends on imports to meet domestic demand. Brazil supplies the majority of Saudi poultry imports, providing frozen whole chickens and cuts that comply with Islamic dietary laws.

The UAE is a major hub for poultry imports, serving both domestic consumption and re-exporting to neighboring Middle Eastern and African nations. Brazil, the U.S., and Ukraine are key suppliers.

Poultry exports are dominated by a few key players, with Brazil and the United States leading the market.

Brazil is the world's largest poultry exporter, supplying over 150 countries. The country benefits from abundant feed resources, efficient production systems, and competitive pricing. Major importers of Brazilian poultry include China, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the UAE. Brazil’s poultry industry prioritizes halal-certified production to cater to Islamic markets.

The U.S. exports significant volumes of poultry, particularly chicken leg quarters, wings, and mechanically deboned meat. Key markets include Mexico, China, and the Caribbean. However, fluctuating trade policies and disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza, sometimes impact export levels.

While a net poultry importer, the EU (notably the Netherlands, Poland, and France) exports substantial volumes to Africa and the Middle East. These countries supply fresh, frozen, and processed poultry to regional markets.

Thailand is a key supplier of processed poultry, particularly to Japan and the EU. Strict biosecurity measures and advanced processing facilities have helped Thailand maintain its position as a trusted exporter.

Although China is a significant poultry importer, it also exports processed and cooked poultry products, primarily to Japan, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia.

The poultry trade is shaped by several economic, environmental, and policy-driven factors. These include:

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks continue to disrupt poultry supply chains. Import bans and restrictions due to disease outbreaks influence trade flows. Countries with stringent biosecurity protocols, such as Brazil and Thailand, have remained competitive in the export market.

Trade agreements and tariff structures significantly impact poultry imports and exports. For example, China’s trade policies influence U.S. poultry exports, while the EU’s stringent food safety regulations affect Brazilian and Ukrainian poultry shipments.

The cost of poultry production is directly linked to feed prices, particularly corn and soybean meal. Rising feed costs due to global supply chain disruptions can impact poultry prices and trade competitiveness.

Demand for organic, antibiotic-free, and halal-certified poultry is influencing trade patterns. Additionally, the push for sustainability has led to increased scrutiny of poultry farming practices, affecting market access for exporters that do not meet environmental and animal welfare standards.

Political instability, economic sanctions, and international conflicts can disrupt poultry trade. For example, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has impacted poultry exports from Eastern Europe, reshaping global supply dynamics.

The global poultry trade is expected to continue growing, driven by rising demand in developing economies and increased consumption of protein-rich diets. However, industry players must navigate evolving challenges, including regulatory changes, disease outbreaks, and fluctuating production costs.

• China’s poultry imports will remain strong, particularly for high-value products such as chicken paws and processed meat.

• Brazil is expected to maintain its position as the leading poultry exporter due to cost-effective production and expanding market access.

• The U.S. will focus on diversifying export markets, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia.

• Sustainability initiatives will drive more stringent regulations, impacting poultry trade policies globally.

Poultry remains the most widely traded meat in the world, with frozen cuts, wings, and processed products leading global imports. While demand is set to increase, industry stakeholders must adapt to emerging trends, regulatory shifts, and economic challenges to remain competitive in the evolving global poultry trade landscape. By embracing technological innovations, improving biosecurity measures, and adhering to sustainability goals, poultry exporters and importers can ensure long-term growth and stability in this essential industry.