September 18, 2023

US chicken exports made up 16% of world's production in 2022

The United States is the world's second largest exporter of chicken, with over 145 countries importing US frozen chicken leg quarters, legs and thighs in 2022, according to an update provided by the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS).

Last year, US chicken exports to foreign markets generated US$4.4 billion and accounted for 16% of global production.

Even with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), chicken exports remained strong, declining only 1% by volume and jumping 22% by value in 2022.

"The impact of HPAI on exports in 2022 was a marked improvement from the devasting impact the outbreaks of HPAI had on trade in 2015," FAS said. "Through diligent negotiations with trading partners, USDA has retained and re-opened markets constrained on HPAI-related restrictions."

Nearly all of US broiler meat exports in 2022 were destined for developing economies, and 14% of shipments were exported to least developed countries.

A significant achievement last year was the USDA's negotiations with Egypt to expand the market to frozen poultry parts. The first shipments were valued at US$800,000.

The FAS anticipated US chicken exports will increase by 3% in 2024, which is possible by recent increased production.

"Angola, Canada, China, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, the Philippines and Taiwan are among the top markets, and USDA is committed to working with the US poultry industry to ensure unhindered market access and continued success for America's hardworking poultry producers," FAS said.

- Meat + Poultry