May 26, 2008

China and Europe to become net importers of poultry meat, said USDA

According to a report released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), China and Europe will become net importers of poultry meat in 2008.

In China, demand for poultry meat is greater in recent years due to higher pork prices. At the same time, the stronger Chinese currency against the US dollar has prompted greater imports of poultry meat from the U.S.

China's exports of broiler meat have been decreasing in recent years while imports have been increasing. The USDA expects the U.S. to be China's main supplier of poultry meat in the coming years.

Meanwhile, Europe's exports of broiler meat have been declining for the past 10 years while imports have been increasing. Europe is expected to import more broiler meat from Brazil and Thailand.