China's chicken exports surge 51% in early 2026
Breast meat leads as producers target Japan and Middle East
16 July 2026
1 minute read
By: China's chicken meat exports reached 546,000 metric tons in the first five months of 2026, up approximately 51% from the same period in 2025, prompting the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service to raise its 2026 export estimate, according to the agency's annual poultry and products report for China.
Chicken breast products drove the growth, accounting for more than half of total chicken meat exports in the first quarter of 2026 and rising more than 50% year on year. Exports of bone-in chicken cuts also increased rapidly over the same period.
Japan, Hong Kong, Russia and Middle Eastern markets are expected to remain China's most important export destinations in 2027, with exports also expanding into selected markets in Africa and Central Asia. Large integrated poultry companies are actively developing overseas markets and diversifying their customer base, with competitive export prices strengthening China's international position.
The USDA said processed and value-added chicken products will continue to support export growth as Chinese companies expand their overseas presence. Higher international shipping costs due to Middle East geopolitical tensions were noted by industry contacts but are not expected to significantly constrain export growth, as transportation costs represent a relatively small share of total processed chicken product value.
