September 1, 2005

USDA: Analysis of US poultry meat trade with the EU

The EU imports an average of $1.2 billion of poultry per year. However, none of that poultry is currently coming from the US, although annual US exports of poultry average $2.2 billion per year. 

With a market of 25 member states and 455 million consumers, imports of US poultry should be greater than they are. 

The EU's 1997 ban on the use of anti-microbial treatments for sanitizing poultry carcasses effectively halted US poultry exports to the EU, even though the use of anti-microbial treatments is approved by FDA. 

What is less commonly known is that on and off since the 1960s, US poultry exports have faced hurdles in reaching the European market. 

This report provides a historical perspective of some of the reasons US poultry exports to the EU have not maintained a significant market share in the EU market.

Additionally, this report highlights the leadership role US poultry exports have in the world market.

For the full USDA report, click here.