POULTRY Poultry Market Outlook - March
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FARM INPUTS PRICES – WORLDWIDE
In March, firmness and volatility returned to commodity markets. By affecting the prices of products that are particularly sensitive for crop sectors, the conflict in the Middle East revived markets and brought several months of decline to an end.
Corn
- The rebound was more moderate on the European market, at +1.7% over one month. The question of crop choices is also arising for European producers, in a context of weaker profitability.
- In Brazil, prices are supported by strong domestic demand, particularly from the biofuels sector, compounded by rising energy and oil costs—especially challenging during the sowing period.
- On the US market, corn prices rose 5.3% month on month to $179.5/t, supported by higher oil, energy and fertiliser prices. US growers may favour soyabeans over corn, potentially supporting corn prices in the coming months.
- On the Chinese market, prices also increased for similar reasons, with corn trading at $359.2/t in March, up from $354.6/t previously.
Soya and Soybean meal
- A similar increase was seen on the European market, with soyabean meal moving back above $400/t to reach $404/t in March.
- Brazil was the only market to record a decline this month, with soyabean meal falling to $385.3/t in March from $406.0/t in February, as harvest progress put downward pressure on prices.
- On the US market, soyabean meal prices rose more modestly than corn (+4.0%), as highly competitive Brazilian supplies and expectations of larger US planted areas are capping upside potential.
- In China, prices rose by 2.5%, and renewed strains in trade relations with the United States are likely to prompt swift purchases of Brazilian products
ENERGY
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – GLOBAL
In March, broiler prices were mixed amid Middle East logistic disruptions: prices stabilized in the EU and US, while Brazil saw declines due to weaker regional exports, partly offset by growth in other markets. Rising feed, energy and logistics costs are beginning to weigh on the sector, with upward price adjustments expected in the medium term.
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – EUROPE
In the EU, broiler prices in Euros increased by 0.7% in March, a slower pace than in previous months. The apparent decline on the chart is linked to a drop in the EUR-USD exchange rate. The market remains tight, with a slow recovery. Animal health issues, particularly in Poland (Newcastle disease and HPAI), continue to weigh on production. EU imports rose by 10% year-on-year, driven by higher shipments from Brazil (+17%) and Thailand (+56%). This trend is expected to continue, maintaining pressure on supply and prices.
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – USA
Broiler prices in the US edged up slightly in March. Market activity remains solid, supported by firm demand. While overall supply of cuts is adequate, breast meat remains tight. Production forecasts for the first half of the year have been revised upward, supported by a 2% increase in chick placements in January–February. Total production in 2026 is expected to grow by 1.4%. Exports declined by 5% in February, mainly due to lower shipments to Cuba (-50%), Taiwan (-40%), China (-66%), and the UAE (-13%).
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – BRAZIL
Brazilian broiler prices fell by 2.4%, with excess supply amid geopolitical tensions. Live bird prices stayed fairly stable, unlike wholesale frozen meat prices. Short-term price pressure to persist, as reduced access to Middle East markets combines with strong production levels. Chick placements reached record highs from November to January, suggesting future supply adjustments. Despite Middle East disruptions, Brazil’s total exports increased by 6%. In March, exports to the Middle East dropped by 20%, but this was offset by strong growth in Africa (+60%), the EU (+38%), and Asia (+17%).
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – CHINA
In China, broiler prices followed a slightly upward but volatile trend in March, supported by gradually improving demand. Operators are rebuilding stocks ahead of the May Day holiday, with cautiously optimistic expectations. On the supply side, chick placements remain dynamic, with orders secured through June, indicating a gradual return of confidence. However, volumes are still below last year’s levels. China’s imports continued to decline sharply in February (-50%), while exports surged (+120%), reflecting a rebalancing of the domestic market and reduced reliance on imports.
