European Union: Poultry and Products Semi-annual

The combination of COVID disruptions and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks led to a 1.8 percent decline in EU (European Union) chicken meat production in Calendar Year (CY) 2021. Despite ongoing HPAI outbreaks, easing COVID restrictions will likely result in a 0.2 percent increase in EU chicken meat production in CY 2022. Production in the EU’s leading export countries declined as demand fell across the region. CY 2021 imports also declined as hotels, restaurants and institutions (HRI) were impacted by pandemic restrictions. EU exports decreased significantly as many importing countries banned EU chicken due to HPAI. EU chicken meat consumption increased marginally in CY 2021, as retail sales compensated for losses in the HRI sector. While the easing of COVID restrictions may encourage consumption, ongoing HPAI outbreaks will have an adverse effect EU chicken meat exports. The Russian-Ukrainian conflict will also dampen trade throughout the region.