China's chicken meat exports up 51% in early 2026 as volumes shift to Africa and Central Asia

China's chicken meat exports rose 51% in the first five months of 2026

China shipped about 546,000 tonnes of chicken meat in January–May 2026, up roughly 51% from the same period of 2025, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The agency's annual Poultry and Products Annual report for China has raised its 2026 export estimate and expects exports to keep increasing in 2027.

The growth is led by chicken breast products, which accounted for more than half of China's chicken meat exports in the first quarter of 2026 and rose more than 50% year on year, with bone-in cuts also rising quickly. USDA forecasts China's chicken meat production at about 17.3 million tonnes in 2026 and 19.0 million tonnes in 2027, while imports continue to decline as domestic output outpaces local demand.

Where the volumes are going

• Africa and Central Asia are the growth markets. Japan, Hong Kong, Russia and Middle East markets remain China's largest destinations for 2027, with exports also expanding into selected markets in Africa and Central Asia.
• Prices stay competitive. Ample domestic supply and competitive export pricing continue to support China's position in price-sensitive import markets — which is what buyers in the Gulf, Africa and Central Asia are working with.
• Freight is a manageable factor. Industry contacts reported higher international shipping costs linked to Middle East geopolitical tensions, but these are not expected to significantly constrain export growth.
• Documentation and lead time still decide delivery. Book reefer space early, and have halal, veterinary/health, HACCP and origin documents ready before the container is fixed.

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Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, GAIN report CH2026-0087 “Poultry and Products Annual — China” (13 July 2026); destination detail as reported by The Poultry Site (16 July 2026).