China: Fresh Whole Chicken Market 2025

Fresh Whole Chicken Market Size in China

In 2021, after four years of growth, there was decline in the Chinese fresh whole chicken market, when its value decreased by -0.6% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2020, and then reduced in the following year.

Fresh Whole Chicken Production in China

In value terms, fresh whole chicken production reduced modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 42% against the previous year. Fresh whole chicken production peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Fresh Whole Chicken Exports

Exports from China

For the fourth consecutive year, China recorded growth in overseas shipments of fresh or chilled whole chickens, which increased by 7.2% to X tons in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -23.2% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 76%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fresh whole chicken exports rose remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, total exports indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports increased by +85.6% against 2013 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 13% against the previous year. The exports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Hong Kong SAR (X tons) was the main destination for fresh whole chicken exports from China, with a 78% share of total exports. Moreover, fresh whole chicken exports to Hong Kong SAR exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Macao SAR (X tons), sixfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Hong Kong SAR was relatively modest.

In value terms, Hong Kong SAR ($X) remains the key foreign market for fresh or chilled whole chickens exports from China, comprising 79% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Macao SAR ($X), with an 11% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Hong Kong SAR totaled +4.0%.

Export Prices by Country

The average fresh whole chicken export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 4.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, fresh whole chicken export price increased by +96.8% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 66%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major external markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Hong Kong SAR ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Macao SAR amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Hong Kong SAR (+3.0%).

Fresh Whole Chicken Imports

Imports into China

For the third consecutive year, China recorded growth in purchases abroad of fresh or chilled whole chickens, which increased by 6.2% to X tons in 2021. In general, imports enjoyed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 110% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, fresh whole chicken imports contracted slightly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw a resilient expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 247%. Imports peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) was the main fresh whole chicken supplier to China, accounting for a approx. 99% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States stood at +13.1%.

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of fresh or chilled whole chickens to China.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the United States amounted to +15.9%.

Import Prices by Country

The average fresh whole chicken import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, reducing by -6.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed a pronounced increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 102% against the previous year. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for the United States.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Canada amounted to +8.8% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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