Lower feed costs drive growth in the poultry sector

The global poultry sector is once again showing growth. RaboResearch expects an increase of 2.8% in 2025, slightly above the 2.6% recorded in 2024. Poultry remains affordable, especially now that beef, pork and eggs are becoming more expensive.

Market benefits from lower feed costs

The outlook for the coming quarters is positive. Lower feed costs are boosting profitability in Asia, Europe, Africa and North and South America. “Poultry continues to be a cost-effective option for consumers, especially as prices for other proteins rise,” says Nan-Dirk Mulder, Senior Analyst Animal Protein at RaboResearch.

Regional differences in supply

In Europe, Africa and Latin America, production remains limited. This is due to a shortage of parent stock, a situation expected to improve only by early 2026. In Asia, however, growth is strong. China reported 7% growth in the first half of the year. Turkey, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and Vietnam are also showing high growth figures. In countries such as Indonesia and China, oversupply is already being curbed through government programmes.

Trade and avian influenza shape dynamics

Global poultry trade continues to expand, although Brazil saw a sharp decline in May due to bird flu-related restrictions. For now, US exports are not benefiting from reciprocal trade tariffs. Meanwhile, countries such as Thailand, Russia, Ukraine, China and Turkey have increased their exports, while Brazil, the EU and the US reported declines. Avian influenza remains a major risk worldwide. The threat is particularly high in the northern hemisphere heading into winter. Vaccination is increasingly being adopted, including in Asia, several Latin American countries, France and more recently South Africa.

Rabobank.com