W52 Chicken Update: US Broiler Exports Decline, and Japan Resumes Poultry Exports After Avian Influenza Measures

US Broiler Exports Experience 3.9% YoY Decline in Volume and 10.3% YoY Decrease in Value

The aggregate data for the United States (US) broiler exports during the period from Jan-23 to Oct-23 interval amounted to 3 million metric tons (mmt), reflecting a 3.9% year-on-year (YoY) decline. In terms of export value, there was a 10.3% YoY decrease, amounting to USD 3.97 billion. A closer look at the distribution reveals that 55.3% of the total shipments, equivalent to 1.7 mmt, found their way to the various markets.

The broiler shipments to the primary recipient country Mexico reached 598 thousand mt during Jan23 to Oct-23 interval, marking a substantial 10.7% YoY increase. In contrast, Brazil's chicken exports to Mexico rose by 21% YoY to 155 thousand mt during the same period, while Chile experienced a 6.5% YoY decline in chicken exports to Mexico, amounting to 22.7 thousand mt. China witnessed a noteworthy 29.9% YoY decline in broiler imports, totaling 372 thousand mt for the same period. It is noteworthy that 68.2% of these imports, or 254 thousand mt, constituted chicken feet. Conversely, Taiwan experienced a positive trajectory, with broiler shipments increasing by 10.7% YoY to 227.6 thousand mt. Cuba, with 217 thousand mt (down 2.9% YoY), the Philippines at 144 thousand mt (down 11.6% YoY), Canada at 120.4 thousand mt (down 8.2% YoY), Guatemala at 118.6 thousand mt (up 8.4% YoY), Vietnam at 94.5 thousand mt (down 8.5% YoY), Angola at 86.8 thousand mt (down 35.2% YoY), and Congo (Brazzaville) at 70.2 thousand mt (up 1.5% YoY).

Shifting focus to turkey meat exports, the cumulative volume for Jan-23 to Oct-23 amounted to 180.5 thousand mt, marking a robust 14.7% YoY increase. However, the export value exhibited a 4.3% YoY decline, reaching USD 515 million. Notably, 79.5% of these exports, equivalent to 143.4 thousand mt, were directed to the six largest markets, with Mexico alone accounting for 67.9% or 122.6 thousand mt.

Additionally, egg exports witnessed a 10% YoY increase to 148.8 million units during the same interval. The export value soared by 20.5% YoY to reach USD 247.3 million. Of these exports, a significant 87.6% were shipped to the six largest export markets, namely Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong, the Bahamas, the Netherlands Antilles, and the United Kingdom.

Japan Overcomes Avian Influenza Hurdles, Secures Resumption of Poultry Exports

Since the confirmation of the first highly pathogenic avian influenza case in Saga Prefecture, Japan on January 25, 2021, discussions with major export partner countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States (US), Vietnam, and Macau, have been ongoing regarding the application of regionalism. Notably, authorities in these destinations have allowed the continuous export of poultry-derived products from non-infected prefectures. Negotiations have recently concluded with the US, Vietnam, and Macau, resulting in an agreement to resume exports from Saga Prefecture, certified as free from highly pathogenic avian influenza. The Animal Quarantine Service has now resumed issuing export quarantine certificates for the US, Vietnam, and Macau. Importantly, exports are retroactively permitted from 28 days after the completion of epidemic prevention measures, and certificates can be issued for products produced and processed after December 27,2023.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Finance trade statistics, the total export amount of chicken meat from Jan-23 to Oct-23 was USD 14.66 million, with chicken eggs reaching USD 39.8 million, including specific amounts for the US, Vietnam, and Macau. The temporary suspension of poultry-derived product exports from Saga Prefecture occurred on November 25, 2020, with the area regaining its disease-free status on December 27, 2020, after 28 days of successful epidemic prevention measures without recurrence. Ongoing discussions with other export destination countries and regions are anticipated.

Japan has lifted the suspension on live bird and fertile egg imports from Brazil's Mato Grosso do Sul, following an avian influenza outbreak. The ban, in effect since September 19, 2023, was removed after containment measures and additional information provided by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture. Japan, the second-largest consumer of Brazilian poultry, had previously resumed imports of chicken meat and eggs from the region on October 20. However, restrictions on subsistence cases continue, with Japan applying a 21-day retroactive restriction and ongoing evaluation for market reopening after 28 days of the embargo.