Mexico’s poultry output continues steady growth
Strong demand, biosecurity gains drive 2025–2026 rise
28 October 2025
1 minute read
By: Mexico’s poultry sector is maintaining its upward trajectory, with production expected to rise by two percent in both 2025 and 2026, according to the latest USDA-FAS outlook. Strong domestic demand, improved production efficiency and enhanced biosecurity are helping sustain growth despite ongoing challenges.
Chicken meat production in 2025 is estimated to reach 4.1 million metric tons (MMT), supported by strong consumer demand and operational improvements. Industry sources point to higher private investment as a key driver of growth, with funds directed toward upgrading efficiency, expanding capacity and enhancing disease prevention measures.
The states of Jalisco, Puebla, and Veracruz are expected to maintain the largest flock populations, together representing the backbone of Mexico’s poultry industry. In 2024, Mexico’s total flock was estimated at 631 million birds, including 413 million broilers (65%) and 218 million layers (35%).
Favourable feed prices have also boosted profitability and encouraged expansion. The United States continues to supply over 95% of Mexico’s yellow corn imports, which are essential for feed production. In 2024, commercial feed mills reported average annual growth of nearly 3% for broiler feed and just over 1% for layer feed. Lower feed costs have allowed producers to optimise feed formulations and improve growth performance across all production stages.
However, the sector still faces headwinds, including high fuel costs, security concerns affecting transport routes and the need for sustained investment in disease prevention and vaccination programs.
For 2026, chicken meat production is forecast to rise another 2% to 4.2 MMT, building on the gains of the previous year. Continued strong domestic demand and enhanced production practices are expected to underpin this increase.
Improvements in biosecurity and flock management achieved in 2025 have already reduced hatchling mortality and are expected to yield further benefits in 2026. Disease prevention and control will remain central to maintaining productivity and protecting flock health.
Large, vertically integrated operations—those managing more than 100,000 birds—now account for over three-quarters of total production. Their control over feed supply, breeding, and processing has made them more resilient to input price fluctuations, especially for fuel and grain.
This growing integration is reshaping Mexico’s poultry sector into a more efficient and stable industry, capable of meeting both domestic demand and regional market opportunities.
Despite the challenges of insecurity and cost volatility, Mexico’s poultry industry continues to expand, supported by strong consumer appetite for chicken, steady investment and increasingly sophisticated production systems.
