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

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