Poultry meat and offal market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Hungarian poultry meat market volume moved from 892 thousand tons to 907 thousand tons. The dip in 2019 aligned with EU origin-labeling updates and feed price volatility that raised production costs. A rebound occurred in 2020 as per‑capita household consumption reached 25 kg, reflecting a clear shift in consumer preference toward white meat.

Market volume held near 903 thousand tons in 2021 amid COVID‑19‑related feed‑supply disruptions that affected raw material availability and prices. A sharp drop to 819 thousand tons followed in 2022, driven by high inflation which reduced consumer purchasing power and dampened demand. That year also saw duty‑free Ukrainian imports surge 80%, intensifying competitive pressure from abroad. By 2023, production recovered, lifting the market back to 902 thousand tons, while new EU rules imposing strict frozen‑storage temperature controls came into force.

Beyond 2023, the state‑supported Bát‑Grill processing‑plant expansion continues through 2026, aimed at boosting domestic capacity and export potential. Proposed changes to EU animal‑transport regulations predict higher logistics costs and a larger environmental footprint, which may influence future price levels.

Production poultry meat and offal in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2018-2021

World map of production of poultry meat and offal, 2018-2021

Hungary's poultry meat and offal production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2021, production reached 1 076 thousand tons, marking a 4.2% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 2.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 1 033 thousand tons, following the largest decline of 1.4% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports poultry meat and offal from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

Hungary's poultry meat and offal exports saw significant growth in 2021, reaching 232.5 thousand tons, a substantial 23.1% increase year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 9.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 188.9 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Hungary's poultry meat and offal exports were distributed relatively evenly across various markets. Romania accounted for 14.7% of exports, Germany for 9.7%, and Austria for 9.4%, with these three countries together representing just 33.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Hungary's poultry meat and offal exports in value terms recovered after a two-year contraction. In 2021, exports reached 623.1 million US dollars, showing a dramatic 51.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, exports decreased by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 410.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 29.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Hungary's poultry meat and offal exports in value terms were spread across a diverse range of partner countries. Germany accounted for 12.0% of export value, Austria for 11.9%, and France for 11.3%, with these three markets together representing just 35.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports poultry meat and offal to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

Hungary's poultry meat and offal imports declined in 2021 after two consecutive years of growth. Imports stood at approximately 59.4 thousand tons, down 5.3% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 10.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 62.8 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 10.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

During 2018-2021, Poland, Romania, and Austria were the main sources for Hungary's poultry meat and offal imports. Poland accounted for 33.5% of imports, Romania for 17.4%, and Austria for 14.4%, with these three countries together representing 65.3% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Hungary's poultry meat and offal imports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2021. Imports reached 132.4 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 13.4% gain from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 15.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 108.4 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Poland, Romania, and Austria formed the core group of markets for Hungary's poultry meat and offal imports in value terms. Poland accounted for 36.5% of import value, Romania for 14.8%, and Austria for 11.3%, with these three countries together representing 62.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021