Poultry Market Outlook - December

Discover the latest insights with our Poultry Market Outlook this month!

Stay ahead of the curve with up-to-date information on global poultry protein market prices.

Dive into our expert analysis and discover the driving forces behind the industry’s evolution.

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FARM INPUTS OVERVIEW – WORLDWIDE

In December, prices followed the same trends as the previous month. Corn prices remained broadly supported by uncertainties surrounding the political context in the United States. In contrast, soybean meal prices fell across all markets, as forecasts for South American production became more precise, confirming the projected surplus.

Corn

  • Corn prices continue to trend upwards in the US market, still supported by robust international demand. In December, prices reached $174/t compared to $166/t in November.
  • In South America, corn prices are fluctuating in response to weather conditions, which will be critical for the upcoming harvests. Conditions are generally favorable, as reflected in prices, with a $12/t decrease between November and December.
  • In the European market, the harvest effect is fading. Prices have stabilized, standing at $216.4/t in December compared to $214/t in November.
  • In China, corn prices have also declined significantly, dropping by $75.5 between December 2023 and December 2024.

 Soya and Soybean meal

  • In South America, soybean meal prices have experienced a significant decline, dropping by $33.6/t in just one month.
  • This decrease is less pronounced in the US market, where soybean meal prices fell by $3.8/t in December, averaging $310/t.
  • The European and Chinese markets are following the same trend. In China, soybean meal traded at $449/t in December, down from $604.9/t a year earlier. Europe also saw ongoing price decline that began in 2023 continue, with soybean meal prices averaging $376/t in December, a 34% drop compared to December 2022.

BROILER PRICE MARKET OVERVIEW – WORLDWIDE

In December, chicken prices continued to vary depending on the production region. This uneven evolution is explained by different regional dynamics. The year 2024 ends with positive global growth, strong demand, and recovering profit margins after two challenging years. Overall, prices remain relatively high compared to production costs, supported by robust international trade demand. The outlook for 2025 suggests continuity, with a potential growth of 3%. However, the situation regarding HPAI remains a significant concern.

BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – EUROPE

In Europe, although the average chicken price declined in December, a significant variation in trends was observed. Prices remained relatively high in Poland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, driven by strong demand, reduced slaughter activity, and limited supply. In contrast, prices in France were stable. Despite increased production in 2024, prices have stayed relatively high.

In recent months, chicken production has struggled to meet demand due to a shortage of hatching eggs. EU chicken imports rose by 16% in November, fueled by a robust recovery in imports from Brazil (+85%) and Thailand (+28%).

BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – USA

In December, chicken prices increased due to a resurgence of avian influenza cases and a limited supply. While demand and prices remained strong for wings, other cuts (breasts and tenders) experienced light to moderate activity. In the coming months, the situation is expected to improve with increased supply and a likely price decline at the beginning of 2025. Export activities continue to be impacted by the HPAI situation. In November, exports stabilized (-1%) but remained 12% below 2022 levels.

BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – BRAZIL

In December, year-end holidays and the increase in corn prices drove chicken prices higher. Additionally, the appreciation of the US dollar against the Brazilian real made the export market more attractive, further pushing domestic prices upward. As a result, chicken prices reached a new record high not seen since September 2021. For the year 2024, Brazil achieved a new export record with a 3% increase, driven by higher sales to Mexico, the Middle East, and Africa.

BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – CHINA

In December, chicken prices in China remained relatively stable, with a slight decline. The drop in demand led butcheries to reduce their purchases. Despite weaker demand, prices resisted further decreases due to reduced supply caused by higher mortality rates and a decline in average weight.

In 2025, prices are expected to rise as demand recovers and production takes time to rebound.

China’s imports showed a slight increase (+4%) with a recovery in purchases from Brazil (+11%). However, 2024 recorded a 27% decline in imports, marking the lowest import levels since 2019.

 

POULTRY MARKET WATCH is a monthly newsletter edited by Ceva Headquarters Libourne, France) Editor-in-chief: Caroline Gremillet, Ceva. Writers: Caroline Gremillet Market Data) Mohamed Bouizidi ABCIS, Poultry Market Analysis)All figures are from public sources and when using them, you are required to acknowledge their original sources and Ceva’s reprocessing. Experts in animal sectors – ABCIS