European Union: Poultry and Products Annual

After two decades of growth, EU chicken meat production is expected to decline by almost 1 percent in 2021 due to HPAI outbreaks and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. For most of Europe, economic challenges even post-COVID will continue to favor cheap protein sources. Consumer preference for chicken meat could fuel some growth in chicken meat demand and production in 2022 , although at slower growth rates than previously estimated. EU chicken meat trade surplus is expected to decrease in 2021 as exports are declining at a faster rate than imports. The lockdown and closure of HRI outlets has lowered the demand for inexpensive imported chicken parts, which are especially popular in lower budget restaurants. The decline in EU exports is also expected continue as long as HPAI-related bans and COVID concerns continue to plague demand in EU customer countries.