Shandong, the largest poultry production province in China, exported 30,500 tonnes of frozen chicken valued at US$61 million in the first three months as of March 23.

The export volume and value were up 224.7% and 300%, respectively on-year, with the average export price rising 23.5% to US$2,000 per tonne, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

Exports to Hong Kong and Macao jumped 307.4% to 16,100 tonnes, while shipments to Middle East fell 24.3% to 3,800 tonnes, the statement said.

It also started exporting to Southeast Asia, with Malaysia's imports totaling 10,400 tonnes during the period.

Dongying Huayu, Zhucheng Shunwang and Shandong Fengxiang were the top three exporters, accounting for nearly 60% of the shipment value, according to the statement.