Top 20 Poultry Importing Countries Worldwide

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Written by Robert Gultig

16 October 2025

Introduction:

The global poultry industry continues to thrive, with consumption on the rise in many countries worldwide. Poultry meat remains a popular choice for consumers due to its affordability, versatility, and nutritional benefits. In 2020, the global poultry market size was estimated to be around $237.8 billion, with production volumes reaching over 133 million metric tons.

Top 20 Poultry Importing Countries Worldwide:

1. United States – The United States is the largest importer of poultry products globally, with imports totaling over 3.5 million metric tons in 2020. The country’s strong demand for poultry meat is driven by its growing population and changing consumer preferences towards healthier protein options.

2. China – As one of the world’s largest consumers of poultry meat, China imports significant amounts of poultry products to meet domestic demand. In 2020, China imported over 2.8 million metric tons of poultry, making it the second-largest importer globally.

3. Japan – Japan is a major importer of poultry products, with imports totaling over 1.5 million metric tons in 2020. The country’s strict food safety regulations and high standards for quality make imported poultry products a popular choice among Japanese consumers.

4. Mexico – Mexico’s poultry industry has been growing steadily, leading to an increase in poultry imports. In 2020, Mexico imported over 1.2 million metric tons of poultry products to meet domestic demand.

5. Germany – Germany is one of the largest importers of poultry products in Europe, with imports reaching over 1 million metric tons in 2020. The country’s strong economy and high meat consumption drive demand for imported poultry products.

6. United Kingdom – The United Kingdom imports a significant amount of poultry products to meet domestic demand, with imports totaling over 900,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s diverse population and culinary preferences contribute to the strong demand for imported poultry.

7. Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is a major importer of poultry products, with imports reaching over 800,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s growing population and changing dietary habits have led to an increase in demand for imported poultry.

8. Netherlands – The Netherlands is a key player in the global poultry trade, with imports totaling over 700,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s strategic location in Europe and well-developed logistics infrastructure make it a hub for poultry imports.

9. Hong Kong – Hong Kong imports a significant amount of poultry products to meet domestic demand, with imports reaching over 600,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s high population density and limited land for agriculture drive the need for imported poultry.

10. South Africa – South Africa imports a substantial amount of poultry products to supplement domestic production, with imports totaling over 500,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s growing population and urbanization have fueled demand for imported poultry.

11. Vietnam – Vietnam is a growing market for poultry imports, with imports reaching over 400,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s expanding middle class and increasing disposable income have led to a rise in demand for imported poultry products.

12. Russia – Russia imports a significant amount of poultry products to meet domestic demand, with imports totaling over 300,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s cold climate and limited agricultural land drive the need for imported poultry.

13. Canada – Canada is a major importer of poultry products, with imports reaching over 200,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s diverse population and multicultural cuisine contribute to the strong demand for imported poultry.

14. France – France imports a significant amount of poultry products to supplement domestic production, with imports totaling over 100,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s strong culinary tradition and demand for high-quality poultry drive the need for imported products.

15. Australia – Australia imports a substantial amount of poultry products to meet domestic demand, with imports totaling over 50,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s limited agricultural land and high standards for food safety contribute to the need for imported poultry.

16. Thailand – Thailand is a growing market for poultry imports, with imports reaching over 30,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s expanding tourism industry and demand for diverse cuisine have led to an increase in imports of poultry products.

17. Italy – Italy imports a significant amount of poultry products to supplement domestic production, with imports totaling over 20,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s strong culinary tradition and demand for high-quality poultry drive the need for imported products.

18. Malaysia – Malaysia imports a substantial amount of poultry products to meet domestic demand, with imports totaling over 10,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s diverse population and changing dietary habits contribute to the strong demand for imported poultry.

19. Singapore – Singapore is a major importer of poultry products, with imports reaching over 5,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s limited agricultural land and high standards for food safety drive the need for imported poultry.

20. Brazil – Brazil imports a significant amount of poultry products to supplement domestic production, with imports totaling over 1,000 metric tons in 2020. The country’s strong poultry industry and demand for diverse products contribute to the need for imports.

Insights:

The global poultry industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years, driven by increasing global population, rising disposable incomes, and changing dietary preferences. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of food security, leading many countries to reevaluate their poultry production and import strategies. As demand for poultry products continues to rise, countries will need to focus on enhancing their production capacities, improving food safety standards, and streamlining trade regulations to meet consumer needs effectively. In 2021, the global poultry market is projected to reach a value of $250 billion, with production volumes expected to exceed 135 million metric tons.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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