Poland has reached a key breakthrough with China that will reopen one of its largest export markets for poultry.
According to Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Paweł Wroński, the two countries signed a regionalization arrangement that clears the way for poultry shipments to restart within weeks, marking a major step forward for international poultry trade.
The agreement was finalized after talks between Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Warsaw.
Exports of Polish poultry to China were first halted in 2020 following avian influenza outbreaks, briefly resumed, and then were suspended again in 2024 due to renewed cases of avian influenza.
The new arrangement introduces a regional approach, allowing trade to continue from unaffected parts of Poland even if future outbreaks occur elsewhere.
Significance of the Chinese market
For Poland, the reopening of the Chinese market is highly significant. China has consistently ranked among the world’s largest importers of poultry, while Poland is the European Union’s leading poultry producer and exporter.
Industry groups estimate that prior to restrictions, Poland shipped tens of thousands of tons of poultry products annually to China, with strong demand for cuts not widely consumed in Europe.
The development is expected to deliver a financial boost to Polish producers at a time of rising feed and energy costs, while also diversifying China’s poultry supply base.
Trade experts note that the decision strengthens Poland’s role as a major supplier not only within the EU but also in global markets, adding resilience to international poultry supply chains.
Poland’s poultry export breakthrough stands out as a practical achievement with immediate economic impact, offering relief to producers and renewed access to one of the world’s largest markets.
With shipments potentially resuming as early as next month, the deal signals renewed momentum for Poland’s poultry industry and highlights China’s ongoing reliance on international partners to secure stable protein supplies.