U.S. Poultry exports for 2022 and 2023 are forecasted to rise, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook.
Broiler exports are expected to increase by 158 million pounds (2.2%), the outlook shows.
September broiler production totaled 4 billion pounds, an increase of 2% over last September. The increase was the result of heavier slaughter weights and an increase in birds slaughtered. The average live weights for the month (6.57 lbs.) were the highest all year.
The third quarter production totaled 11.9 billion lbs. with weekly placements continuing to trend above last year. Strong monthly hatchery data improved the fourth quarter broiler production forecast to 11.6 billion lbs.
The 2023 forecast was also increased to 11.5 billion lbs., 11.6 billion lbs. in the second, and 12 billion lbs. in the third, making the total 2023 broiler production forecast 46.8 billion lbs.
Slower shipments in July and August stunted the third quarter exports by 111 million lbs. from the third quarter of 2021. September’s numbers rebounded to about 23 million lbs. above the 5-year average, bringing the export forecast to 7.2 billion lbs., which would be a 2% decrease from 2021. The 2023 export forecast is at 7.4 billion lbs.
The report also shows broiler prices were adjusted down for the fourth quarter.
The national composite whole bird wholesale price averaged $1.22 per pound in October, down by about 48 cents from the peak price in May of this year.
Chicken tender prices saw the sharpest decline from $3.52 per pound in May to $1.46 per pound in October. Wings, bone-in thighs and leg prices have also fallen in recent months.
