Global chicken exports are forecast 4% higher in 2023 to a record 14.1 million tons, the most aggressive growth in trade since before COVID-19, according to the most recent USDA-FAS GAIN report. 

Expansion is buoyed primarily by increased demand in China, the EU, and Saudi Arabia, and as production growth is limited for a number of competing exporting producers, Brazil is expected to capture most of the gains. Brazil’s price competitiveness, EU market access, and ability to supply halal product makes the world’s leading exporter well-positioned to fulfil rising global demand. 

Thailand shipments will reach a record 1.0 million tons on increased shipments to major markets, particularly benefiting from improved China and Saudi Arabia market access. Exports by the EU are stymied by weak production growth on repercussions from HPAI and high prices stemming from increased input costs, particularly energy.

US production is expected to rise nearly 2% to nearly 21.2 million tons in 2023 on a modest decline in feed prices and firm demand. Increased supplies will bolster exports which are forecast 3 percent higher to nearly 3.4 million tons.