Global poultry meat production is projected to reach 151.4 million metric tons in 2025, maintaining its position as the most produced and consumed animal protein worldwide. This growth reflects poultry’s continued dominance in the global meat sector, driven by its affordability, production efficiency, and adaptability to diverse consumer preferences.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), chicken meat production is expected to increase by 2% in 2025, reaching 151.4 million metric tons globally. This growth is attributed to strong consumer demand, competitive pricing compared to other meats, and improvements in production efficiency.
- Asia remains the leading region in poultry production, contributing nearly 40% of the global output.
- China, in particular, has seen a notable increase in poultry production, driven by rising domestic demand and efforts to stabilize protein supplies following disruptions in the pork sector.
- Meanwhile, Brazil and the United States continue to be the top exporters, benefiting from robust demand in key markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Mexico.
In the United States, broiler production is forecast to reach 47.69 billion pounds in 2025, supported by strong hatchery data and lower feed costs. However, turkey production is expected to decline by 6.3% due to reduced consumer demand and the lingering effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks.
- Despite the positive outlook, the poultry industry faces several challenges.
- Disease outbreaks, particularly HPAI, continue to disrupt production and trade.
- In 2025, Brazil reported its first commercial HPAI outbreak, raising concerns about potential trade restrictions and supply chain disruptions.
- Nevertheless, regionalized trade bans have helped mitigate the impact on exports, allowing major producers to maintain market access.
To address these risks, countries are investing in enhanced biosecurity measures, disease surveillance, and vaccination programs. The development of DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) strategies is also gaining traction, aiming to balance disease control with international trade requirements.
Looking ahead, the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook projects that global poultry meat production will continue to grow, reaching approximately 173.4 million metric tons by 2034. This sustained expansion underscores poultry’s critical role in meeting the protein needs of a growing global population, particularly in developing regions where affordability and accessibility are key concerns.
As the world navigates evolving consumer preferences, economic uncertainties, and biosecurity threats, the poultry sector’s resilience and adaptability will be essential in ensuring global food security.
Sources: Available upon request