Introduction

The global poultry industry plays a significant role in the agriculture sector, contributing to food security and economic development. Poultry products, such as chicken and eggs, are staple foods consumed by people worldwide. In this report, we will delve into the top 10 countries with the largest poultry import markets, analyzing key data, financials, volumes, and trends that shape this industry.

1. United States

The United States is one of the largest poultry import markets globally, with a strong demand for chicken meat and eggs. In 2020, the US imported over $1.2 billion worth of poultry products, including frozen chicken cuts, processed chicken products, and table eggs. The country’s poultry import volumes have been steadily increasing, driven by consumer preferences for convenient and affordable protein sources.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $1.2 billion

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Frozen chicken cuts, processed chicken products, table eggs

– Growth Rate: Steadily increasing

2. China

China is another major player in the global poultry import market, with a growing appetite for poultry products. Despite being a top producer of poultry, China imports a significant amount of chicken meat and eggs to meet domestic demand. In 2020, China imported over $800 million worth of poultry products, including frozen chicken parts and poultry offal.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $800 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Frozen chicken parts, poultry offal

– Growth Rate: Increasing due to rising demand

3. Japan

Japan is a key market for poultry imports, particularly chicken meat and eggs. The country relies on imports to supplement its domestic production and meet consumer demand for poultry products. In 2020, Japan imported over $700 million worth of poultry products, with a focus on high-quality and specialty chicken products.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $700 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Chicken meat, eggs

– Growth Rate: Stable with a preference for quality imports

4. Germany

Germany is a prominent player in the European poultry import market, importing a variety of poultry products, including fresh and frozen chicken meat. In 2020, Germany imported over $600 million worth of poultry products, with a focus on food safety and quality standards.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $600 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Fresh and frozen chicken meat

– Growth Rate: Moderate with a focus on quality imports

5. United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a significant importer of poultry products, particularly chicken meat and eggs. In 2020, the UK imported over $500 million worth of poultry products, with a growing demand for specialty chicken products and organic eggs.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $500 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Chicken meat, eggs

– Growth Rate: Increasing with a focus on specialty imports

6. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a major importer of poultry products, primarily chicken meat and eggs, to meet its domestic demand. In 2020, Saudi Arabia imported over $400 million worth of poultry products, with a preference for halal-certified chicken products.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $400 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Chicken meat, eggs

– Growth Rate: Stable with a preference for halal imports

7. Netherlands

The Netherlands is a key player in the European poultry import market, importing a variety of poultry products, including chicken meat and processed poultry products. In 2020, the Netherlands imported over $300 million worth of poultry products, with a focus on sustainable and organic poultry products.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $300 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Chicken meat, processed poultry products

– Growth Rate: Moderate with a focus on sustainable imports

8. South Africa

South Africa is a significant importer of poultry products, particularly chicken meat and eggs, to meet its domestic demand. In 2020, South Africa imported over $200 million worth of poultry products, with a growing demand for value-added chicken products.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $200 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Chicken meat, eggs

– Growth Rate: Increasing with a focus on value-added imports

9. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a major importer of poultry products, including fresh and frozen chicken meat, to meet its consumer demand. In 2020, Hong Kong imported over $150 million worth of poultry products, with a preference for premium chicken products.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $150 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Fresh and frozen chicken meat

– Growth Rate: Stable with a preference for premium imports

10. France

France is a key player in the European poultry import market, importing a variety of poultry products, including fresh and frozen chicken meat. In 2020, France imported over $100 million worth of poultry products, with a focus on traditional and gourmet chicken products.

Key Data:

– Poultry Import Value: $100 million

– Top Poultry Products Imported: Fresh and frozen chicken meat

– Growth Rate: Moderate with a focus on gourmet imports

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