March 5, 2015

China's broiler meat imports decline, but exports on the rise

A ban on US deliveries has led to China's biggest drop of broiler meat in 11 years. 

According to a Beijing-based USDA bureau, Chinese imports likely slid by 19.2% in 2014, compared to another forecast of 2.1% decline. The percentage represents 210,000 tonnes, the lowest since 2004.

US broiler shipments were suspended in January following the discovery of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the country.

Bird flu outbreaks have also hit China, particularly its southern region, which has recorded more than 40 human infections of the H7N9 strain of bird flu since the start of 2015.

Local consumption of broiler meat, according to the USDA, has been "sluggish for several years, despite an annual GDP growth of 6-7%". The USDA expects 2015's Chinese consumptions of broiler meats to be a little above 9kg per capita compared to a higher 10kg record last year.

China's rising broiler exports

Even as China could witness declining imports and consumptions of broiler meat this year, net exports from the country are expected to reach 250,000 tonnes in 2015.

According to long-term forecasts of the USDA, Chinese broiler meat exports could rise to 600,000 tonnes by 2024 while imports will see a volume of 300,000 tonnes. Poultry exports will consist mostly of fully cooked products marketed to more affluent nations in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.