China is rapidly becoming a major player in the global poultry market, with its chicken production expected to surge in the coming years. According to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, China’s chicken production is projected to grow by 9% this year to 18 million tonnes, outpacing domestic consumption, which is forecasted to rise by 7.2% to 16.845 million tonnes. This trend is set to continue into 2027, with production expected to increase by 5.5% to 19 million tonnes, while domestic consumption grows by 3.7% to 17.475 million tonnes.
The oversupply of chicken in China is driving the country to reduce imports, particularly from Brazil, while significantly increasing exports. Chinese chicken exports are already competing with traditional suppliers like Brazil, offering prices that are 10% to 20% cheaper for products such as chicken breast and leg quarters. Companies like Lisbon-based meat trader Branexx have started purchasing Chinese chicken to meet customer demands for lower-cost alternatives.
China’s export growth is supported by sufficient breeder flocks, stable corn and soybean meal prices, and investments in production capacity. The USDA forecasts that China’s chicken exports will climb by 25% in 2027 to 1.925 million tonnes, up from 1.540 million tonnes this year, which is a 42% increase from 2025. This positions China to overtake the European Union and become the world’s third-largest chicken exporter by 2027.
The rising competition from China is a concern for other exporters, including Brazil and Thailand. Brazilian exporters face additional challenges, such as lost sales to Europe due to antimicrobial-control rules. Meanwhile, Chinese companies like Wintop Food are experiencing growing international demand, with exports accounting for half of their 2025 profits. The general manager of Wintop Food, Dang Yangyang, noted that the significant price advantage of Chinese chicken is compelling customers to choose it over competitors.