China: Poultry and Products
Post forecasts that China’s 2014 broiler production will increase by two percent to 13.7 million tons, due to an expected recovery from this year’s H7N9 outbreaks in China. Post estimates that China’s 2014 broiler consumption and imports will expand by four percent to 13.2 million tons and 270,000 tons, respectively. For the first half of 2013, sources report that the U.S. export price was reported at $1,729 per ton, which is 44 percent cheaper than its South American competitors. Despite these favorable prices, U.S. exports are challenged by China’s decision to reinstate a ban on Arkansas poultry and impose restrictions on Wisconsin poultry, due to low pathogenic detections in both states. Post forecasts that China’s 2014 exports will reach 410,000 tons, nearly a three percent increase from the current 2013 figure.