China chicken meat production forecast to decline in 2024 – USDA

According to a recent US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN report) report, chicken meat production is forecast to decline from both white broiler and yellow broiler in 2024 due to import constraints the People’s Republic of China (PRC) placed on avian genetics and related materials for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-related reasons and for continued live poultry market closures. Imports are forecast higher to offset low domestic production.

Chicken meat production is forecast lower for from both white broiler and yellow broiler in 2024. White broiler production is expected to decline because of HPAI-related import restrictions that impact avian genetics and related products. Y

ellow broiler production is expected to decline as officials close live poultry markets. In 2024, chicken production from 817 broilers (i.e., a hybrid chicken variety) could witness further growth of a relatively small base.

Both white and yellow chicken consumption is forecast to decline in 2024. Consumption of white broiler chicken products is forecast to decline because of domestic supply constraints and HPAI-related restrictions on chicken meat imports. Consumption of yellow broiler chicken products is forecast to decline mainly due to closures of live poultry markets.

In 2024, chicken imports are forecast to grow by 3% to 770 thousand metric tons (MT) in order to partially meet the supply gap of domestic chicken production. Chicken exports are expected to stay at similar levels in 2024.