Chicken meat and offal market in Vanuatu

Earlier Report Observations

The market for chicken meat and offal in Vanuatu saw overall growth from 4 479 metric tons in 2018 to 5 952 metric tons in 2023. This expansion was driven by a substantial increase in imports, which rose from 3 777 metric tons to 5 452 metric tons over the period, offsetting a consistent decline in domestic production from 702 metric tons to 499 metric tons. After a slight dip in 2019, the market volume began to rise from 2020 onward, with a particularly sharp jump in 2021.

Key events influenced this trajectory. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains, likely contributing to higher import volumes to maintain food security. In September 2021, the launch of the 'One Country One Priority Product' initiative specifically targeted the poultry sector, aiming to optimize production, processing, and marketing. This policy shift increased focus on chicken meat, correlating with the significant surge in imports that year, even as local production continued to fall.

Ongoing policy measures also shaped the market. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's long-standing focus on import substitution for agricultural products, noted since 2018, created a backdrop for import dynamics. Furthermore, the Melanesian Free Trade Agreement (MFTA) aimed to enhance regional economic integration, potentially easing import flows. Market transparency was supported by regular surveys at the Port Vila Central Market, while Vanuatu Abattoirs Limited maintained international certification, underpinning processing standards for the meat sector.

Production chicken meat and offal in Vanuatu

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

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

Vanuatu's production of chicken meat and offal has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 648 tonnes, which represents a 5.3% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 4.6%, with an average annual decline of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 702 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Vanuatu in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports chicken meat and offal from Vanuatu

Based on compiled industry data, Vanuatu did not export any chicken meat and offal between 2017 and 2020.

Imports chicken meat and offal to Vanuatu

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Vanuatu imported 3 786 tonnes of chicken meat and offal, showing a modest increase of 2.9% compared to 2019. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 12.4%, averaging 4.0% per year. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 2.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 with 12.1% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Vanuatu in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Australia and New Zealand continued to be the primary sources for Vanuatu's chicken meat and offal imports, together accounting for 94.1% of total volume. Other trading partners each contributed much smaller individual shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Vanuatu in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Vanuatu imported chicken meat and offal worth 7 965 thousand US dollars, reflecting a slight year-on-year increase of 1.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, the value of imports rose by 14.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.6%. The peak import value was recorded in 2018 at 7 965 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 18.2%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when import value dropped by 4.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Vanuatu in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Australia and New Zealand dominated Vanuatu's chicken meat and offal imports in value terms, together representing 90.6% of the total. Other suppliers each held relatively minor shares of the import market.

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

World map of product's imports to Vanuatu in value, 2017-2020