GCC: Fresh Chicken Cut Market 2025

Fresh Chicken Cut Market Size in GCC

After two years of growth, the GCC fresh chicken cut market decreased by -11.4% to $X in 2021. The total consumption indicated a buoyant increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.9% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +22.1% against 2018 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then contracted in the following year.

Fresh Chicken Cut Production in GCC

In value terms, fresh chicken cut production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 55% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

The country with the largest volume of fresh chicken cut production was Saudi Arabia (X tons), comprising approx. 64% of total volume. Moreover, fresh chicken cut production in Saudi Arabia exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, the United Arab Emirates (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Oman (X tons), with an 11% share.

In Saudi Arabia, fresh chicken cut production expanded at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: the United Arab Emirates (+3.2% per year) and Oman (+10.8% per year).

Fresh Chicken Cut Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2021, the amount of fresh or chilled cuts of chicken exported in GCC skyrocketed to X tons, picking up by 84% against the previous year's figure. Overall, exports showed significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 102% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, fresh chicken cut exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. In general, exports continue to indicate a significant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 95%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Exports by Country

Saudi Arabia was the largest exporter of fresh or chilled cuts of chicken in GCC, with the volume of exports accounting for X tons, which was near 57% of total exports in 2021. The United Arab Emirates (X tons) held a 22% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Oman (21%).

Saudi Arabia was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fresh or chilled cuts of chicken exports, with a CAGR of +35.0% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates (+20.4%) and Oman (+9.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of Saudi Arabia (+36 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2021, the share of Oman (-31.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Saudi Arabia ($X) remains the largest fresh chicken cut supplier in GCC, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Oman ($X), with a 22% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Saudi Arabia stood at +43.1%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Oman (+9.2% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (+20.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -9.6% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.7%. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Saudi Arabia (+6.0%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Fresh Chicken Cut Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2021, supplies from abroad of fresh or chilled cuts of chicken increased by 85% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, imports recorded a remarkable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 127%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, fresh chicken cut imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports saw significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 80% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates was the main importer of fresh or chilled cuts of chicken in GCC, with the volume of imports recording X tons, which was approx. 59% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Saudi Arabia (X tons), Kuwait (X tons) and Bahrain (X tons), together constituting a 40% share of total imports.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the fresh or chilled cuts of chicken imports, with a CAGR of +23.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Kuwait (+19.4%), Saudi Arabia (+14.6%) and Bahrain (+9.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. The United Arab Emirates (+23 p.p.) and Kuwait (+2.2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Saudi Arabia and Bahrain saw its share reduced by -4.1% and -5.5% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported fresh or chilled cuts of chicken in GCC, comprising 67% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kuwait ($X), with a 14% share of total imports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia, with an 11% share.

In the United Arab Emirates, fresh chicken cut imports expanded at an average annual rate of +25.7% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Kuwait (+22.0% per year) and Saudi Arabia (+12.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -12.5% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.5%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 23%. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton), while Saudi Arabia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Bahrain (+6.0%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform