Global poultry production is projected to grow by 2.8% in 2025, according to a recent report by RaboResearch, marking a slight acceleration from the 2.6% growth recorded in 2024. This increase reflects the continued strength of the poultry market, which remains resilient amid rising prices for other animal proteins such as beef and pork.
- Poultry’s affordability continues to make it a preferred choice for consumers worldwide, especially in regions facing economic pressures.
- Lower feed prices are also contributing to improved profitability across the industry, with positive impacts seen in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
- Nan-Dirk Mulder, senior analyst in animal protein at RaboResearch, emphasized that feed cost reductions are helping producers maintain margins despite global uncertainties.
However, supply growth remains uneven. Europe, Africa, and Latin America are experiencing slower expansion due to tight parent stock availability—a constraint expected to persist until early 2026. In contrast, Asia is leading the growth, with China’s poultry sector expanding by 7% in the first half of 2025. Other countries such as Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and Vietnam are also seeing robust increases in production.
- To address oversupply, governments in China and Indonesia have implemented market-balancing programs.
- Meanwhile, global poultry trade continues to expand, although Brazil—the world’s largest poultry exporter—suffered a significant setback in May 2025 due to bird flu-related restrictions.
- This disruption opened opportunities for other exporters like Thailand, Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey, which increased their market share during Brazil’s temporary absence.
Trade tensions, particularly involving the United States, have yet to yield benefits for American poultry exports. However, future negotiations may prioritize access to international chicken markets. As Brazil regains its disease-free status and U.S. trade access improves, global export dynamics are expected to shift again.
Bird flu remains a critical concern for the industry, especially in the Northern Hemisphere as winter approaches. Biosecurity measures and vaccination programs are being increasingly adopted in regions such as Asia, Latin America, France, and South Africa to mitigate risks. Nonetheless, new outbreaks are anticipated, potentially adding volatility to already tight market conditions.
Despite these challenges, the outlook for global poultry production in 2025 remains optimistic, driven by strong demand, cost-effective protein options, and strategic market adjustments.
Sources: Available upon request