The Growing Demand for Poultry Imports

In recent years, the global poultry industry has experienced significant growth, with an increasing demand for poultry products in various countries. This demand has led to a rise in poultry imports as countries seek to meet the needs of their consumers. In this report, we will focus on the top 10 countries with the fastest-growing poultry imports, analyzing the trends, challenges, and future outlook for this industry.

1. United States

The United States is one of the largest importers of poultry products in the world, with a growing demand for chicken, turkey, and other poultry items. In recent years, the country has seen a steady increase in poultry imports due to changing consumer preferences and the rise of fast-food chains that incorporate poultry dishes in their menus.

According to the latest data, the United States imported over 2.5 million metric tons of poultry products in the last year alone, with a total import value exceeding $4 billion. The country’s top suppliers include Brazil, Canada, and the European Union, which provide a variety of poultry products to meet the growing demand.

Despite facing challenges such as trade restrictions and food safety concerns, the United States continues to be a key player in the global poultry import market, with a positive outlook for future growth.

2. China

China has experienced a surge in poultry imports in recent years, driven by a growing middle class and increasing demand for protein-rich foods. The country has become one of the top importers of chicken and duck products, with a focus on quality and safety standards to meet the needs of its discerning consumers.

In the past year, China imported over 1.8 million metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value of $3.5 billion. Despite facing challenges such as trade tensions and regulatory issues, China’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, as the country seeks to diversify its food sources and meet the demands of its population.

3. Japan

Japan is another key player in the global poultry import market, with a strong demand for chicken and other poultry products. The country has a well-established poultry industry, but it relies on imports to meet the needs of its consumers and maintain a diverse range of products in the market.

In the last year, Japan imported over 1.5 million metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value of $2.8 billion. The country’s top suppliers include the United States, Thailand, and Brazil, which provide a variety of poultry items to meet the demands of Japanese consumers.

Despite challenges such as high tariffs and strict regulations, Japan’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on food safety and quality standards.

4. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom has seen a steady increase in poultry imports in recent years, as the country seeks to meet the demands of its consumers and maintain a diverse range of poultry products in the market. The UK imports a variety of chicken, turkey, and other poultry items from countries such as the Netherlands, Poland, and Brazil.

In the past year, the United Kingdom imported over 1 million metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value exceeding $2.5 billion. Despite challenges such as Brexit-related uncertainties and trade disruptions, the UK’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.

5. Germany

Germany is a major player in the global poultry import market, with a growing demand for chicken, turkey, and other poultry products. The country imports a variety of poultry items from countries such as Poland, France, and Brazil, to meet the needs of its consumers and maintain a diverse range of products in the market.

In the last year, Germany imported over 900,000 metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value of $2 billion. Despite challenges such as price competition and supply chain disruptions, Germany’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on sustainability and animal welfare standards.

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has seen a significant increase in poultry imports in recent years, as the country seeks to diversify its food sources and meet the demands of its growing population. The country imports a variety of chicken and other poultry products from countries such as Brazil, the United States, and France.

In the past year, Saudi Arabia imported over 800,000 metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value exceeding $1.5 billion. Despite challenges such as water scarcity and climate change, Saudi Arabia’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on food security and self-sufficiency.

7. Vietnam

Vietnam is a key player in the global poultry import market, with a growing demand for chicken, duck, and other poultry products. The country imports a variety of poultry items from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Thailand, to meet the needs of its consumers and maintain a diverse range of products in the market.

In the last year, Vietnam imported over 700,000 metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value of $1.2 billion. Despite challenges such as disease outbreaks and supply chain disruptions, Vietnam’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on food safety and quality standards.

8. South Africa

South Africa has experienced a steady increase in poultry imports in recent years, as the country seeks to meet the demands of its consumers and maintain a diverse range of poultry products in the market. The country imports a variety of chicken, turkey, and other poultry items from countries such as Brazil, the United States, and the European Union.

In the past year, South Africa imported over 600,000 metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value exceeding $1 billion. Despite challenges such as trade restrictions and economic uncertainties, South Africa’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.

9. Mexico

Mexico is a significant player in the global poultry import market, with a growing demand for chicken, turkey, and other poultry products. The country imports a variety of poultry items from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, to meet the needs of its consumers and maintain a diverse range of products in the market.

In the last year, Mexico imported over 500,000 metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value of $900 million. Despite challenges such as trade tensions and regulatory issues, Mexico’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on food safety and quality standards.

10. Russia

Russia has seen a steady increase in poultry imports in recent years, as the country seeks to meet the demands of its consumers and maintain a diverse range of poultry products in the market. The country imports a variety of chicken, turkey, and other poultry items from countries such as Brazil, the United States, and Belarus.

In the past year, Russia imported over 400,000 metric tons of poultry products, with a total import value exceeding $800 million. Despite challenges such as trade restrictions and political tensions, Russia’s poultry import market is expected to continue growing, driven by changing consumer preferences and a focus on food security and self-sufficiency.

[Read More: Global Poultry Industry Report 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Future Outlook Across the Value Chain]