June 9, 2006

Exports gives chicken industry a leg up in boosting profits
 

US poultry exports to China increased by 276 percent while exports to Taiwan, Korea, Poland and Philippines increased more than 100 percent, thanks to the lowest leg quarter prices in 4 years.

Exporters to Russia, the largest importer of US poultry, increased by 64 percent.

Toby Moore, spokesman for the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council said the poultry market has certainly rebounded, adding that increased demand for poultry exports suggests consumers abroad are more confident in American chicken.

The price of leg quarters fell 51 percent to US$0.17 in April from US$0.36 a year ago. Prices recovered slightly in May to US$0.23.