SADC: Chicken Meat Market 2025

Chicken Meat Market Size in SADC

In 2021, the SADC chicken meat market decreased by -0.6% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Chicken Meat Production in SADC

In value terms, chicken meat production reached $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 26%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

The country with the largest volume of chicken meat production was South Africa (X tons), accounting for 74% of total volume. Moreover, chicken meat production in South Africa exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Mozambique (X tons), more than tenfold. Zimbabwe (X tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 4.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in South Africa stood at +2.8%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mozambique (+11.1% per year) and Zimbabwe (+5.3% per year).

The average chicken meat yield stood at X kg per head in 2021, approximately mirroring the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the yield increased by 19%. Over the period under review, the chicken meat yield hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In 2021, the number of animals slaughtered for chicken meat production in SADC totaled X heads, leveling off at the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, the number of producing animals saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the number of producing animals increased by 3.7% against the previous year. The level of producing animals peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Chicken Meat Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was decline in shipments abroad of chicken meat, when their volume decreased by -3.8% to X tons. Overall, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 32% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, chicken meat exports expanded slightly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 22% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, South Africa (X tons) was the main exporter of chicken meat, achieving 81% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Zambia (X tons) and Namibia (X tons), together making up an 18% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to chicken meat exports from South Africa stood at -2.4%. At the same time, Zambia (+76.1%) and Namibia (+25.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Zambia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in SADC, with a CAGR of +76.1% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Zambia and Namibia increased by +11 and +6.2 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest chicken meat supplier in SADC, comprising 82% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Zambia ($X), with an 11% share of total exports.

In South Africa, chicken meat exports shrank by an average annual rate of -2.6% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Zambia (+63.3% per year) and Namibia (+19.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in SADC stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 8.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 34%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Namibia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (-0.2%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Chicken Meat Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2021, supplies from abroad of chicken meat decreased by -7.8% to X tons, falling for the third year in a row after three years of growth. Over the period under review, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 18% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, chicken meat imports expanded modestly to $X in 2021. In general, imports continue to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 47% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, South Africa (X tons) represented the largest importer of chicken meat, committing 45% of total imports. Angola (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons). All these countries together held near 39% share of total imports. The following importers - Namibia (X tons), Lesotho (X tons), Comoros (X tons) and Mozambique (X tons) - each finished at a 12% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Comoros (with a CAGR of +17.0%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest chicken meat importing markets in SADC were South Africa ($X), Angola ($X) and Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X), with a combined 79% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Lesotho, Namibia, Comoros and Mozambique, which together accounted for a further 16%.

Comoros, with a CAGR of +16.2%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main importing countries 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 SADC stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 14% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a perceptible setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the import price increased by 25% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Lesotho ($X per ton), while South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Comoros (-0.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform