The global poultry industry is always changing fast, with chicken being the top meat eaten worldwide. In 2022, the World Trade Organization reported that fresh chicken exports hit a huge value of US$8.9 billion¹. But that’s not all – frozen chicken exports were even bigger, reaching $22.4 billion that same year¹.

A few countries lead the way in chicken exports, with Brazil, the USA, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Poland at the top in 2022. These five countries made up a huge 72.9% of all frozen chicken meat exported worldwide¹.

Key Takeaways

• Global sales of exported fresh chicken reached $8.9 billion in 2022.
• Exported frozen chicken had even higher international sales, totaling $22.4 billion.
• The top 5 shippers of frozen poultry in 2022 accounted for 72.9% of all globally exported frozen chicken meat.
• Brazil, USA, Netherlands, Thailand, and Poland are the top 5 frozen chicken exporters.
• The chicken export industry is a highly competitive global market.

Brazil: The Undisputed Leader in Chicken Exports

Brazil leads the world in chicken exports, making it the top exporter of this popular poultry product². In 2022, it shipped about 4.6 million tons of chicken, an 8.1% jump from the year before². This success has brought in around USD 7.5 billion in revenue from chicken exports in 2021, a 25% increase from 2020².

Brazil’s Dominance in Frozen Chicken Exports

Brazil stands out in the frozen chicken market². In 2022, it made up 38.9% of the world’s frozen poultry exports, worth $8.7 billion³. Its success comes from its large farms, good climate, and efficient chicken production³.

Brazil’s Strategic Advantages in Poultry Production

Brazil’s chicken industry is big and well-organized, with big producers and processors³. This setup helps Brazil produce chicken efficiently and effectively³. Now, Brazil sends chicken to more countries, like the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, not just China².

Brazil’s chicken exports also benefit from its strong pork and beef production⁴. In 2023, it made about 7.5 million metric tons of meat, with 2.5 million tons of beef and 4.2 million tons of poultry⁴. This variety in meat production helps Brazil lead in the global agricultural market.

Brazil is the top chicken exporter in the world, thanks to its strategic benefits and strong agricultural sector³. With its large production, varied export markets, and focus on efficiency and innovation, Brazil will likely stay the top chicken exporter³.

United States: A Powerhouse in Poultry Exports

The United States is a key player in the global poultry trade, exporting both fresh and frozen chicken. In 2022, it sent $909.3 million worth of fresh chicken to other countries, making up 10.2% of the world’s fresh poultry exports⁵. The country also exported $4.1 billion worth of frozen chicken, ranking second after Brazil, with an 18.2% share of the market⁵.

Leading Exporter of Fresh and Frozen Chicken

The US poultry industry is a major force, with a value of $23.2 billion in 2021⁵. That year, it produced 8.9 billion broiler chickens and 243 million turkeys, employing over 590,000 people in poultry and egg production⁵. This large production helps the US stay a top exporter of fresh and frozen chicken, meeting global demand for quality American poultry.

Big companies like Tyson Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride lead the US poultry industry⁵. Tyson Foods is the biggest producer, holding about 25% of the market. Other top companies include Sanderson Farms, Perdue Farms, Foster Farms, and Koch Foods, each with a market share between 20% and 2%⁵.

“The US poultry industry’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and quality has solidified its status as a global powerhouse in poultry exports.”

The US poultry industry excels in innovation, efficiency, and quality, making it a leader in poultry exports⁵⁶⁷. As the second-largest exporter of fresh and frozen chicken, the US continues to dominate the global poultry trade, offering high-quality and affordable products.

Netherlands: A Major Player in the Chicken Export Market

The Netherlands is a big name in the chicken export market⁸. Companies like Plukon Food Group and Van den Heuvel Poultry Group lead the way. They make the most of their large chicken production and big market share worldwide⁸.

Now, the focus is on being green. Companies like Storteboom Group and 2 Sisters Storteboom are all about eco-friendly farming⁸. Small but mighty players, like Pluimveebedrijf Jan van Setten, focus on organic chicken. They meet the demand for products that are good for the planet⁸.

Then there’s Vencomatic Group, which brings new solutions to the table. They focus on making chicken production better for animals and the planet⁸. Darling Ingredients Holland also plays a big role. They make sure chicken by-products are used wisely, keeping an eye on the environment⁸.

In 2023, the Netherlands sent out about 0.8 million metric tons of meat. This includes 0.6 million metric tons of pork and 0.2 million metric tons of poultry⁹. This shows how big a deal the Netherlands is in the meat market. Their focus on being green and innovative makes them stand out in chicken exports.

The Netherlands’ chicken business is booming, just like the global poultry market¹⁰. In 2019, the world produced 131 million tons of poultry, up from 94 million in 2009. The Netherlands is making the most of this growth, becoming a key player in chicken exports¹⁰.

Looking forward, the poultry industry is expected to grow a lot. From $352.02 billion in 2022 to $487.39 billion by 2027, the Netherlands is set to keep leading in chicken exports¹⁰.

Leading poultry companies in the Netherlands show its strength in chicken exports¹⁰. Plukon Food Group, for example, processed 468 million broilers in 2022, making $2.7 billion¹⁰. This highlights the Netherlands’ big impact in the chicken export world.

“The Netherlands’ poultry industry is known for its large annual production volume and significant market share in the global market.”

Biggest Chicken Exporter in The World: Thailand’s Rising Prominence

Thailand has become a big name in the chicken export market, ranking fourth in 2022 with $1.13 billion in sales¹¹. It’s known for its efficient poultry industry, focusing on broiler chicken production. This focus has made Thailand a key player in the global chicken market.

Thailand’s Competitive Edge in Broiler Chicken Production

Thailand has over 30,000 chicken farmers, producing three million tons of chicken meat every year¹¹. The central region makes up 50.8% of chicken meat, the east 20%, and the northeast 14.7%¹¹. This focus and efficient farming give Thailand an edge in the broiler chicken market.

Global businesses support Thailand’s poultry industry, including food manufacturers, supermarkets, and restaurants¹¹. KFC Thailand buys over 25 million pieces of chicken every month from 1,000 branches¹¹. This high demand has made Thailand a top chicken exporter.

But, there are concerns about chicken welfare in Thailand’s factory farms. An investigation found farms with 20,000 to 30,000 chickens, some just 11 to 30 days old¹¹. This led to a petition with over 40,000 signatures, asking KFC to improve chicken welfare standards¹¹. Improving these conditions is key for Thailand to keep its edge in the industry.

The chicken industry is expected to grow at a 5.45% CAGR from 2022 to 2028, reaching US$ 312.11 Billion in 2022¹². Countries like Brazil, the United States, and the European Union are also big exporters. Thailand needs to keep innovating and focus on sustainability to stay ahead¹². As the world eats more poultry, Thailand is set to become an even bigger chicken exporter¹¹¹²¹³.

Poland: Emerging as a Significant Chicken Exporter

Poland has become a big name in the chicken export market. In 2022, it was the top exporter of fresh chicken, with sales of $2.3 billion. This made up 26.2% of all fresh poultry exports worldwide¹⁴. Poland’s growth comes from investing in modern farms and focusing on efficiency.

Poland’s chicken exports have jumped by 79.4% since 2018¹⁴. This growth has made Poland a key player in the chicken export market¹⁴.

Poland’s Rapid Growth in Fresh Chicken Exports

The Polish poultry industry has seen huge growth, with chicken production up by 61% from 2011 to 2016¹⁵. Export volumes have also soared by 132% over five years, beating the EU’s 14% increase¹⁵.

Poland has expanded its chicken exports to non-EU countries, growing from 4% to 24% of all exports from 2010 to 2016¹⁵. Africa has become a key market, with exports there rising by 327% from 2010 to 2016¹⁵.

Poland’s chicken exports have also grown within the EU, with a 15.5% annual increase from 2010 to 2017¹⁵. Non-EU countries saw exports grow by 18.5% a year over the same period¹⁵.

Poland’s chicken exports have led to more domestic consumption, with people eating 30kg of poultry per person in 2017¹⁵. This shows a growing demand for chicken within Poland, supporting its global chicken export position.

The USDA expects Poland’s chicken production to grow by only 2% in 2018 due to competition and economic issues¹⁵. Yet, the industry is hopeful, expecting chicken exports to 320,000 to 350,000 tonnes to non-EU countries in 2018¹⁵.

Poland’s rise in the chicken export market shows its commitment to modernizing its poultry industry and meeting international demand¹⁴. With its focus on efficiency and market expansion, Poland is set to become a major player in chicken exports¹⁴¹⁵¹⁶.

Türkiye: A Prominent Force in Frozen Chicken Exports

Türkiye (Turkey) is now a big name in the frozen chicken export market, ranking sixth in 2022 with $1.06 billion in sales¹⁷. The country’s poultry industry has grown a lot, thanks to investments in modern facilities and efficiency¹⁷. This has made Türkiye a key player in the frozen chicken export market, competing with big names like Brazil and the United States.

Türkiye’s rise in the frozen chicken export market is thanks to several factors. The country has a strong poultry industry that focuses on technology and innovation¹⁷. Its producers have put a lot into automated plants and efficient logistics. This lets them meet the growing demand for frozen chicken at home and abroad.

Also, Türkiye’s location is a big plus. It’s close to European and Middle Eastern markets, which helps a lot¹⁷. Being close to these markets, with competitive prices and high-quality chicken, makes Türkiye a top choice for buyers worldwide¹⁷.

Looking forward, Türkiye’s frozen chicken exports are set to keep growing. The country is focusing on increasing its production and finding new markets¹⁷. With the world wanting more poultry, Türkiye is ready to become even more important in the frozen chicken export market¹⁷.

“Türkiye’s frozen chicken exports have been a significant contributor to the country’s overall poultry industry, showcasing the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive in the global market.”

The table shows the top frozen chicken exporters in 2022, with Türkiye ranking sixth and having a 4.7% market share¹⁷. This shows how Türkiye is becoming more important in the frozen chicken export market. The country is growing its production and looking for new markets.

Türkiye’s turkey chicken exports and turkey poultry industry have helped the country’s economy grow¹⁷. The turkey prominent chicken exporter is key in the global poultry trade¹⁷. With the world wanting more poultry, Türkiye is set to benefit and keep its status as a turkey prominent chicken exporter¹⁷.

Ukraine: Expanding its Footprint in the Chicken Export Market

Ukraine is quickly becoming a big name in the chicken export market. In 2022, it was the seventh biggest exporter of frozen chicken, making $715.4 million and taking 3.2% of the market¹⁸. This growth comes from investing in production and focusing on being efficient in the poultry industry¹⁸.

Even with challenges, Ukraine’s chicken exports keep going up. Since 2018, frozen chicken exports have jumped by 96.1%, showing Ukraine is a rising star in poultry trade¹⁸. This shows Ukraine’s poultry sector is strong and can adapt to tough times and new chances.

Ukraine’s success in chicken exports comes from its good location and efficient farms. These farms can hold up to 2 million birds at once, much bigger than most in Europe¹⁹. This size, along with low production costs, lets Ukrainian producers sell chicken breast fillets cheaper than Polish ones, giving them an edge in Europe¹⁹.

The European Union has helped Ukraine’s chicken exports too. By removing import tariffs, the EU made Ukrainian poultry more appealing. This led to a big jump in exports to the EU, from 90,000 tons in 2021 to 200,000 tons in 2023¹⁹.

The war has hit Ukraine’s farms hard, causing a $4.3 billion loss and a drop in plantings by 35% to 40%. But, the poultry industry is showing it can bounce back¹⁸. Companies like MHP, which makes up about 70% of Ukraine’s poultry production and 85-90% of its EU exports, are key to Ukraine’s chicken export growth¹⁹.

As the chicken export scene changes, Ukraine is well-placed with its tech and EU partnership. This makes Ukraine a strong contender in the global poultry market¹⁸¹⁹.

“Ukraine has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity, emerging as a significant player in the global chicken export market.”

China: A Potential Powerhouse in Chicken Exports

China, the world’s most populous country, could soon lead in the global china chicken exports market. Currently, it ranks ninth with $303.6 million in sales and a 1.4% market share²⁰. But, china’s poultry industry is set for big growth. It’s investing in modern poultry production and improving efficiency²⁰. This could make China a big name in chicken exports soon.

China’s Increasing Demand for Poultry Products

China is expected to see a 3% increase in chicken meat imports in 2022²⁰. This is because of growing demand and good prices. Even though China’s chicken meat trade share is small, this shows its potential as a big exporter.

China is also looking to increase its beef and pork imports in 2022²⁰. This change in what people eat could mean more demand for chicken. This could make China even more important in china chicken exports.

“China’s chicken meat imports are forecasted to grow by 3% in 2022 due to increased consumer demand and competitive pricing, although China’s share of global trade in chicken meat remains relatively small.”

China’s china poultry industry is getting better and more efficient. This means it can meet its own demand and maybe become a big china chicken exports player. With more people eating chicken and investments in the industry, China is a china potential chicken exporter to keep an eye on.

Germany: A Consistent Contributor to Chicken Exports

Germany is a key player in the global chicken export market. It exports both fresh and frozen chicken consistently²¹. In 2022, Germany sent $527 million worth of fresh chicken to other countries, making up 5.9% of the world’s fresh poultry exports²¹. It also exported $292 million worth of frozen chicken, proving its importance in the frozen chicken market²¹.

Germany’s poultry industry is known for its efficiency and production skills. It has kept its place in the global chicken export scene²¹. The country focuses on quality and sustainability, which has helped its beef industry stand out⁴.

Germany is the eighth-largest meat producer worldwide, making about 0.8 million metric tons of meat each year⁴. In 2023, it produced around 0.7 million metric tons of pork and 0.1 million metric tons of beef⁴. This shows its strong and varied meat industry.

Germany’s poultry industry has shown it can adapt and succeed in the changing global market. It remains a steady and trusted exporter of fresh and frozen chicken²¹. As meat production grows worldwide²², Germany’s focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation will help it keep doing well in chicken exports.

“Germany’s poultry industry has been a reliable contributor to the global chicken export landscape, leveraging its efficiency and production capabilities to sustain its position.”

The table shows the top 10 poultry-producing countries, with the United States, Brazil, and China leading²¹. This shows the global poultry industry’s diversity and competitiveness. Germany has kept its place as a key player in chicken exports²¹⁴²².

France: Diversifying its Poultry Export Portfolio

France leads the poultry industry worldwide, now focusing on new markets²³. It’s the top chicken exporter globally, but it’s also growing its value-added poultry products.

France’s Focus on Value-Added Poultry Products

In 2022, France sent $245 million worth of fresh chicken to other countries, making up 2.8% of the world’s fresh poultry exports²³. It also sent $279.1 million worth of frozen chicken, which was 1.2% of the global market²³. France is now focusing on making higher-value poultry products to stay competitive.

This move towards value-added poultry meets the demand for convenience and quality worldwide²³. France wants to meet the changing tastes of buyers in other countries and grab new chances in the poultry trade.

“In the highly competitive global poultry market, the ability to offer unique, value-added products is crucial for maintaining a leading position. France’s focus on diversifying its export portfolio is a testament to its commitment to innovation and adaptability.”

The French poultry industry is changing its focus for several reasons. It wants to stand out, make more money, and meet what consumers want²³. With its skills, tech, and quality focus, France is becoming a top exporter of premium poultry globally²³.

Argentina: A Rising Star in the Chicken Export Sector

Argentina is becoming a big name in the chicken export market. In 2022, it was the 12th largest exporter, sending out $279 million worth of frozen chicken. This made up 1.2% of the global market²⁴. The country’s chicken exports went up by 4% in 2022 after a drop due to avian flu²⁵. With more investment in chicken production and better export skills, Argentina is set to grow in the global chicken market.

Argentina’s chicken exports are rising thanks to its strong points in the poultry industry. It has a good climate, lots of natural resources, and a strong farm sector. These help Argentina make high-quality chicken at good prices²⁶. Plus, its location and trade ties with countries like China and the Middle East help it sell more chicken.

Even with the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, Argentina’s chicken exports kept growing. This shows how strong and flexible the country’s poultry industry is. As the world eats more chicken, Argentina is ready to take advantage of this trend and become a key player in chicken exports.

“Argentina’s poultry industry has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with chicken exports increasing by 4% in 2022 after a temporary pause due to an avian influenza outbreak.”

Argentina is investing in its chicken production and getting better at exporting. With its advantages, good location, and strong industry, it’s ready to meet the world’s growing chicken demand²⁴²⁵²⁶.

Belarus: An Emerging Player in Frozen Chicken Exports

Belarus is becoming a big name in the frozen chicken export market. It ranked 13th in 2022 with $237.7 million in sales, making up 1.1% of the market²⁷. Since 2018, Belarus has seen a huge jump in frozen chicken exports, thanks to new investments in modern facilities and better efficiency²⁷. With ongoing growth in its poultry industry and better export skills, Belarus is set to play a bigger role in the chicken export world.

The Belarusian poultry industry has changed a lot lately. The government and private companies have put a lot into making production better and using new tech. This has made Belarus more efficient, quality-focused, and competitive in the frozen chicken export market²⁷. Its good location, access to important markets, and trade deals have also helped it become a key player in frozen chicken exports.

As the world wants more poultry products, especially in new markets, Belarus is in a great spot. It’s working on growing its export skills and reaching more customers. Belarus is set to be a big name in the frozen chicken trade soon²⁷. Its focus on innovation, efficiency, and quality will help it keep doing well as a frozen chicken exporter.

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