Based on data, China and Hong Kong accounted for 96.7% of US paw exports in 2007 with 374,705 metric tons (MT) and 37,592 MT respectively. Close behind were Philippines 4,511 MT, Taiwan 2,537 MT, Vietnam 1,776 MT, Singapore 1,252 MT, South Africa 865 MT, Republic of Korea 812 MT, French Pacific Islands 772 MT, Mexico 331 MT, Japan 317 MT, and Russia 206 MT. However based on average prices paid by unit for US paws in 2007, China ($.285/pound) paid less than the US average ($.289/pound) and leaders Philippines ($.431/pound), Vietnam ($.388/pound), Japan ($.388/pound), South Africa $.355/pound), and Taiwan ($.340/pound).

US paw exports to China fluctuated over the past decade. China imported 17,762 MT of US paws in 1998 and increased imports steadily to 2003 (46,281 MT); paw imports then fell dramatically in 2004 more than likely due to worldwide outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza. US paw exports to China began building in 2005 (64,006 MT) and rose 240% in 2006 (153,593 MT) and 244% in 2007 (374,705 MT). China imported 23,935 MT of US paws in January 2008, up 17% from January 2007 (20,443 MT). China is expected to import 33% more paws from direct shipments and Hong Kong re-exports in 2008 from the previous years’ levels. Based on the charts, US exports of chicken paws to China have steadily increased with the weakening of the US dollar since 2005; however no correlation existed between the weakening of the US dollar and US paw exports to Hong Kong even though exports have steadily decreased since late 2004.

Source: USDA FAS

Further Reading

-

You can view the full report by clicking here.