Chicken meat and offal market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The chicken meat and offal market in South-eastern Asia expanded from 10,207 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 11,667 thousand tonnes in 2023, driven by rising incomes and urbanization which boosted demand for convenient processed and frozen products. This growth was supported by the proliferation of online platforms for ready-to-eat items and the launch of new frozen product lines by regional players, alongside the expansion of modern retail with improved cold storage facilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 temporarily reduced market volume to 10,646 thousand tonnes as lockdowns disrupted foodservice and supply chains. However, it accelerated a lasting shift toward frozen and processed poultry due to its longer shelf life and convenience, aiding a recovery to 10,849 thousand tonnes in 2021. Subsequently, the work-from-home trend and growing consumer focus on sustainability and animal welfare further stimulated demand for lean protein and value-added products.

By 2023, market growth moderated to 11,667 thousand tonnes, with the frozen segment maintaining dominance owing to cost and logistical advantages. Increased imports of frozen chicken legs and offal from origins like Brazil provided affordable options, while investments in modern processing facilities and stricter animal welfare regulations continued to shape supply and consumer preferences across the region.

Production chicken meat and offal in South-eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

In 2019, chicken meat and offal production in South-eastern Asia reached its peak at 10 339 thousand tonnes. However, in 2020, output declined slightly to 10 267 thousand tonnes, representing a 0.7% decrease compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 9 931 thousand tonnes, which marked a 2.9% drop from 2017. The most significant growth occurred in 2019 with a 4.1% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports chicken meat and offal from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of chicken meat and offal from South-eastern Asia showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2019, volumes hit their lowest point at 52.9 thousand tonnes, reflecting an 84.3% decline from the previous year. However, 2020 saw a dramatic turnaround, with exports surging to 392.0 thousand tonnes—a remarkable 641.7% year-on-year increase. This created a 7.4-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan, China, and Hong Kong were the primary destinations for chicken meat and offal exports from South-eastern Asia. Japan accounted for 38.3% of exports by volume, China for 18.0%, and Hong Kong for 3.9%. Together, these three markets represented 60.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values for chicken meat and offal from South-eastern Asia experienced significant fluctuations. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at 94 million US dollars, showing an 87.3% decrease from the previous year. By contrast, 2020 witnessed a sharp recovery, with export values jumping to 978 million US dollars—a substantial 941.5% year-on-year rise. This resulted in a 10.4-fold gap between the 2019 low and the 2020 high.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, China, and Hong Kong dominated the export market in value terms. Japan represented 45.3% of total export value, China 19.8%, and Hong Kong 4.5%. Collectively, these three destinations accounted for 69.6% of all export revenues from chicken meat and offal shipments.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports chicken meat and offal to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of chicken meat and offal into South-eastern Asia have grown steadily for three consecutive years. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes increased by 40%, averaging an annual growth rate of 11.9%. In 2020, imports reached approximately 771.4 thousand tonnes, up 18.3% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, the United States, and the Netherlands were the leading sources of chicken meat and offal imports into South-eastern Asia. Brazil supplied 28.2% of imports by volume, the United States 27.9%, and the Netherlands 13.8%. Together, these three countries accounted for 70.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Import values for chicken meat and offal into South-eastern Asia have risen for the third year in a row. Over the 2017–2020 period, import values grew by 39.2%, with an average annual increase of 11.7%. In 2020, imports totaled 1 038 million US dollars, showing a modest 2.2% rise compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, the United States, and the Netherlands consistently served as the main sources of imports in value terms. Brazil accounted for 32.2% of import value, the United States for 24.9%, and the Netherlands for 9.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 66.3% of total import expenditures.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020