EU poultry exports set for gradual growth through 2035, report shows

EUROPE – The European Union’s poultry exports are projected to rebound in the coming years after experiencing a downturn, according to the EU Agricultural Outlook report for 2024-2035. 

The report predicts a steady annual growth rate of 0.8% in poultry exports from the three-year average baseline to 2035, with volumes expected to surpass 2 million metric tons.

Key export markets for EU poultry include the United Kingdom, Sub-Saharan Africa, and select Asian nations, where rising demand is anticipated to drive export growth. 

Additionally, the EU expects increased imports of poultry meat to meet growing requirements in the foodservice and food processing sectors.

A significant factor influencing EU poultry imports is the duty-free, quota-free trade agreement with Ukraine, which remains in effect until June 2025. 

This agreement has already led to a notable increase in poultry imports. 

By 2035, imports are forecasted to grow at an annual rate of 0.9%, reaching approximately 904,000 metric tons compared to the three-year average.

In 2023, the EU produced 13.3 million metric tons of poultry meat, a 2.3% increase compared to 2022. 

Poland, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy emerged as the leading producers in the bloc. 

The EU remains the third-largest exporter of poultry meat globally, with Ghana, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Philippines serving as the primary destinations for EU chicken exports in 2021.

Despite these positive trends, the EU poultry industry continues to face challenges from imported products that do not adhere to the same animal welfare and sustainability standards observed within the bloc. 

This competition presents ongoing hurdles for maintaining market share and ensuring compliance with EU regulations.

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