POULTRY Poultry Market Outlook - January
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.
Stay informed, stay ahead—don’t miss out!
FARM INPUTS OVERVIEW – WORLDWIDE
In January, raw material prices followed an upward trend across the American continent and Europe. Deteriorating weather conditions in South America and the inauguration of Donald Trump in the United States have created uncertainties, supporting prices. Only the Chinese market remained disconnected from American trends.
Corn
- On the US market, corn prices rose in January, reaching $186/t (+$12/t compared to December). This increase is mainly due to the latest USDA report, which revised production figures downwards and consequently reducing end-of-season stocks for the United States (-7 Mt and –5 Mt compared to December 2024, respectively).
- Prices also increased in South America, reaching $205/t in January, up from $199.5/t in December. This rise is a response to worsening weather conditions, with extreme heat in Argentina and excessive rainfall in Brazil.
- The European market followed trends seen in the Americas, with corn prices rising to an average of $229/t.
- Meanwhile, corn prices in China continue to decline, dropping by $6.4/t over the past month to reach $311.9/t.
Soya and Soybean meal
- In South America, soybean meal prices rose again in January, driven by heavy rainfall in Brazil’s Mato Grosso region. Prices reached $406.4/t, an increase of $18/t in one month.
- A similar trend was observed in the US market, where soybean meal traded at $314/t in January, up from $310/t in December.
- The European market followed suit, recording a 2% increase compared to December, reaching $383/t. Despite this rise, soybean meal prices remain highly competitive compared to the past three years, standing 37% lower than in January 2023.
- As with corn, China is not following the trends seen in other markets, with soybean meal prices stabilizing at $447.5/t in January.
BROILER PRICE MARKET OVERVIEW – WORLDWIDE
In January, 2025 began with a price decline in Europe as supply recovered. In Brazil and the USA, prices are rising due to increased domestic demand and strong export demand (Brazil).
The global poultry industry is projected to grow by 3% in 2025, supported by its affordability, sustainability trends, and recovering demand. While emerging markets will drive the strongest expansion, developed markets are also expected to see growth. However, the sector faces challenges such as HPAI outbreaks, geopolitical uncertainties, and supply chain constraints. Meanwhile, investments in modernization and international expansion remain key priorities.
Sources: EC Agridata, USDA AMS reports, Cepea, Chinese Natl Dev & Reform Commission, Banque de France, Ceva
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – EUROPE
In January, chicken prices in the EU showed a slight decline, but supply tensions persist, particularly for boneless cuts, which remain on an upward trend in the EU market. With limited supply and very strong demand, chicken production grew by 6% in 2024, driven by dynamic growth in France, Spain, and Poland. However, Belgium and the Netherlands experienced a decline in production. In the coming months, production growth is expected to stagnate due to a shortage of chicks, which will contribute to keeping prices high.
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – USA
In January, chicken prices in the USA showed a slight increase due to strong demand ahead of the Super Bowl. Supply remains limited due to lower production at the end of 2024 and a decline in frozen stocks. The HPAI situation remains a concern, with over 75 million poultry affected since the beginning of 2025, mainly laying hens but also broiler. Production forecasts for 2025 remain positive, with prices expected to stabilize or see a slight decline. In December, Exports drop by 19%.
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – BRAZIL
In January, chicken prices increased due to strong domestic demand (typical for this period) and high export demand. Despite the rise in production, record exports and dynamic domestic demand are pushing prices higher. In January, Brazil’s exports grew by 9% year-on-year, setting a new record for export volumes, with daily shipments exceeding 28 thousand tons of chicken.
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – CHINA
In January, chicken prices in China decreased by 1.6%, driven by an abundant supply and relatively stable demand. This abundant supply is linked to the Chinese New Year, but the last week of January saw a price rebound just before the celebrations. In 2025, poultry production in China is expected to grow by 4%, contributing to the stabilization of chicken prices. Imports from Brazil to China continued to recover in January, showing a 15% increase compared to January 2024.
