International Egg and Poultry Review - By the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service - This is a weekly report looking at international developments concerning the poultry industry, this week looking at the World Turkey Situation.

World Turkey Situation

Presently the United States (US) leads the world in turkey meat production with 47.5% of the total. Following in turkey meat production were France, Germany, Italy, and United Kingdom U(K). Leaders by way of a country's percentage of turkey meat production to its total poultry production were Germany (36.1%), France (32.1%), Italy (30.0%), Israel (27.5%), and Hungary (19.2%).

According to USDA ERS, US turkey production is expected to grow to 5.6 billion pounds (lbs) in 2006 and 5.7 billion lbs. in 2007 (+1.7%). The growth comes from a slight increase in the number of birds slaughtered and higher weights. In the first quarter of 2006, the US produced 1.35 billion lbs., 2% over last year, and the second quarter is projected to reach 1.43 billion lbs., 2% above 2005.

World turkey meat imports were 818,356 metric tons (MT) in 2004, which was 127,420 MT below 2003 (-13.5%) and 363,346 MT above 1994 (+79.9%). The leading importer of turkey meat in 2004 was Mexico with 135,954 MT, accounting for 16.6% of the world's turkey meat imports. Behind Mexico were Russia, Germany, Belgium, and Spain. In regards to a country's turkey meat imports to its total poultry imports Bulgaria (49.0%) led the way with Italy (40.3%), Poland (33.8%), Mexico (29.6%), and Spain (27.3%) tailing behind.

World turkey meat exports in 2004 were 916,162 MT, which was 34,672 MT over 2003 (+3.9%) and 396,770 MT higher than 1994 (+76.4%). France led the world in exports of turkey meat with a quantity of 229,652 MT in 2004, accounting for 25.1% of the world's turkey meat exports. Following France was the US, Brazil, Germany, and Italy. The top five leading countries pertaining to a country's turkey meat exports to its total poultry exports were Italy (47.2%), France (35.4%), Hungary (31.4%), Poland (23.7%), and Germany (20.4%).

US turkey meat exports hit 119 million lbs. in the first three months of 2006, more than 5% lower than 2005, due to Mexico’s large purchase of broiler meat, which is predicted to continue due to favorable broiler prices. Exports to Mexico accounted for 66% of US total exports in the first quarter. 2006 forecasts have been reduced, but are still 1% higher than 2005 levels; 2007 should hit 620 million lbs. with a majority shipping to Mexico.
Source: FAO/USDA ERS,AMS,FAS/Newswires

To view the full report, including tables please click here

Source: USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service - 23rd May 2006