MERCOSUR: Fresh Whole Chicken Market 2025

Fresh Whole Chicken Market Size in MERCOSUR

In 2021, the MERCOSUR fresh whole chicken market was finally on the rise to reach $X after two years of decline. In general, consumption, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the market value increased by 8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Fresh Whole Chicken Production in MERCOSUR

In value terms, fresh whole chicken production contracted slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the production volume increased by 9.2%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The country with the largest volume of fresh whole chicken production was Brazil (X tons), comprising approx. 46% of total volume. Moreover, fresh whole chicken production in Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Argentina (X tons), fourfold. Colombia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total production with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in Brazil was relatively modest. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Argentina (+1.1% per year) and Colombia (+2.3% per year).

Fresh Whole Chicken Exports

Exports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, exports of fresh or chilled whole chickens in MERCOSUR soared to X tons, jumping by 92% against the year before. In general, exports enjoyed a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 169%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, fresh whole chicken exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 108% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Argentina (X tons) and Brazil (X tons) represented the main exporters of fresh or chilled whole chickens in 2021, amounting to approx. 44% and 37% of total exports, respectively. It was distantly followed by Uruguay (X tons), generating a 17% share of total exports. Peru (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Uruguay (with a CAGR of +40.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Brazil ($X), Argentina ($X) and Uruguay ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, together accounting for 95% of total exports.

Among the main exporting countries, Uruguay, with a CAGR of +48.8%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in MERCOSUR amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -17.3% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the export price increased by 63%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uruguay (+6.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Fresh Whole Chicken Imports

Imports in MERCOSUR

In 2021, supplies from abroad of fresh or chilled whole chickens increased by 14% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after six years of decline. In general, imports, however, faced a abrupt setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 36% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, fresh whole chicken imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports, however, recorded a deep reduction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 54% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Venezuela (X tons), Colombia (X tons) and Chile (X tons) was the largest importer of fresh or chilled whole chickens in MERCOSUR, committing 78% of total import. Peru (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 12% share, followed by Guyana (7.6%).

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Chile (with a CAGR of +28.4%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X), Venezuela ($X) and Colombia ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, together comprising 81% of total imports.

In terms of the main importing countries, Chile, with a CAGR of +44.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in MERCOSUR stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 3.4% against the previous year. Over the last nine years, it increased at an average annual rate of +4.3%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

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

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+12.5%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform