Saudi Arabia: Poultry and Products Annual
The Saudi poultry sector has experienced a major production growth in recent years. Broiler meat production is estimated at 640,000 MT in 2014, and expected to further increase 9 percent in 2015. Local broiler production currently covers about 42 percent of total Saudi Arabia’s consumption needs, estimated at 1.44 million MT. The soaring costs of poultry feed and the high mortality rates in Saudi poultry farms remain the major constraints to expand production. In 2013, Saudi Arabia was the world’s largest importer of broiler meat, with a total of 875,259 MT. Broiler meat imports are forecast to decline by 10 percent in 2014, due to the large production of last year and reduced demand by food catering services, as the number of pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia is expected to be lower this year. Brazil dominated the Saudi poultry import market in 2013, with 79 percent market share, followed by France with 18 percent, and the U.S. a distant-third with 3 percent.
