Fresh or chilled duck meat market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled duck meat in China expanded significantly from 2018 to 2020, driven primarily by the African swine fever outbreak in 2018. This event constrained pork supplies and boosted demand for duck meat as an alternative protein, leading to a surge in duck slaughter numbers and market volume. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic posed logistical challenges, but processing companies invested in their own cold-chain facilities to maintain fresh duck meat supply, supporting continued market growth.

Growth moderated in 2021 as abundant duck supplies and tighter environmental regulations on traditional farming methods put pressure on producers. However, from 2022 onward, the market regained momentum. The national promotion of new white-feather duck breeds, along with a value-added tax exemption for fresh meat circulation, lowered costs and improved profitability. Companies also introduced new product lines and enhanced packaging in 2023, catering to diverse consumer preferences and sustaining demand.

Production fresh or chilled duck meat in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of fresh or chilled duck meat.

Top producers of fresh or chilled duck meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh or chilled duck meat, 2017-2020

China's production of fresh or chilled duck meat grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 775 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 57.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

China's production of fresh or chilled duck meat continued to expand for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 10 106 million US dollars, showing a steady gain of 7.1% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 73.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports fresh or chilled duck meat from China

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, China's exports of fresh or chilled duck meat amounted to 29 087 tonnes, reflecting a significant drop of 25.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 15.9%, with a compound annual decline of 5.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 39 108 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 22.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Hong Kong, Tajikistan, and Macao—collectively accounted for 81.9% of China's total exports of fresh or chilled duck meat in volume terms.

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

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, China exported fresh or chilled duck meat worth 61 563 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp decline of 24.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 7.1%, with a compound annual decrease of 2.4%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 81 067 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 24.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, China's export structure in value terms was heavily concentrated on Hong Kong, which held a 73.8% share of total flows, while other partners made up the remainder.

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

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports fresh or chilled duck meat to China

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import volumes varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2018 at 0.0 tonnes and the highest in 2020 at 614 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 7,012.7% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 99.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 30,735.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand was the primary source for China's imports of fresh or chilled duck meat, making up 72.9% of total imports in volume, with other destinations playing a much smaller role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.4 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2020 at 3 563 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial rise of 2,119.2% from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 89.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 37,860.5%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, France dominated China's imports in value terms, capturing 74.1% of total flows, with other countries accounting for the rest.

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

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