Poultry meat and offal market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The poultry meat market in MENA grew from 17.4 million tonnes in 2018 to 19.5 million tonnes in 2020. This increase was primarily driven by rising demand for high-quality protein and urbanization, with Saudi Arabia's expanding tourism sector and advanced production facilities reinforcing its regional dominance. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 complicated supply chains but also accelerated demand for frozen meat as households prioritized longer storage, contributing to market stability.

Market volume reached 20.2 million tonnes in 2021, supported by consumer preference for fresh processed meat with high nutritional value and the entry of new players like Al-Manjam Foods into Saudi Arabia's food import and distribution sector. After a slight dip to 19.4 million tonnes in 2022, the market recovered to 20.6 million tonnes in 2023, sustained by ongoing protein demand, urbanization, and changing consumer habits, even against a backdrop of rising global meat prices and increased import source diversification to enhance supply resilience.

Production poultry meat and offal in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

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

Poultry meat and offal production in the MENA region has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 17 318 thousand tonnes, marking a 10.8% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 19.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of poultry meat and offal production in MENA reached 38 567 million US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 25.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 51.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.8%. The only decline during this time occurred in 2019, when it fell by 3.3%.

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

Exports poultry meat and offal from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, poultry meat and offal export volumes from MENA declined in 2020. Exports dropped to 197 thousand tonnes, reflecting a significant year-on-year decrease of 11.0%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 10.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The peak was in 2019 at 221 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 17.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Afghanistan were the top buyers of poultry meat and offal from MENA, though none dominated the market. Hong Kong accounted for 12.3% of exports in kind, Vietnam for 5.9%, and Afghanistan for 4.1%. Together, they represented 22.4% of total exports, with the remainder spread across numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Poultry meat and offal exports from MENA in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 438 million US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 39.1%, with an average annual rate of 11.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner portfolio for poultry meat and offal exports from MENA in value terms was quite diverse. Hong Kong accounted for 4.6% of exports in value, Afghanistan for 3.5%, and Vietnam for 2.3%. Combined, these three represented only 10.4% of total export flows, indicating a broad distribution among many partners.

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

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

Imports poultry meat and offal to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, MENA imported 2 359 thousand tonnes of poultry meat and offal, down by 43.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.7%, with an annualized decline of 2.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 200 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 69.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Turkey, and the United States were the main sources of poultry meat and offal imports to MENA. Brazil accounted for 59.7% of imports in kind, Turkey for 14.3%, and the United States for 7.5%. Together, they made up 81.5% of total imports, highlighting their dominant role in the region's supply.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, MENA imported poultry meat and offal worth 3 627 million US dollars, representing a solid decrease of 10.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 11%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 5.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, Turkey, and France formed the primary group of sources for poultry meat and offal imports to MENA in value terms. Brazil accounted for 61.4% of imports in value, Turkey for 11.5%, and France for 4.1%. Together, they held a combined share of 77.0% of total import flows.

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

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