The allure of chicken products from American birds in China has seen a notable decline this year, following a remarkable surge of 10,000% between 2019 and 2022. This surge was predominantly fueled by a single item: chicken feet.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released this fall, U.S. poultry exports to China soared from $10 million in 2019 to a record-breaking $1.1 billion in 2022. This dramatic increase was a direct result of China lifting its ban on U.S. poultry products in areas affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in November 2019. This policy change opened the doors for U.S. poultry producers, with a significant portion of their $1.1 billion in sales involving chicken feet. Chinese consumers developed a preference for U.S. chicken feet due to their larger size, meatier flesh, and tenderness in comparison to domestically-raised chickens, as noted in various economic research reports.
However, China’s ongoing restrictions on U.S. exports of chicken products from specific U.S. states affected by HPAI in 2023 have had a significant impact. These restrictions have led to a substantial increase in the prices Chinese consumers are willing to pay for this delicacy. Import prices for U.S. chicken feet, which sold for $1 per kilogram (2.2 pounds) in 2014, have now surged to an average range of $5 to $6 per kilogram, according to USDA data. This increase in prices resulted in a 35% drop in the value of U.S. sales and a 51% decline in volume this year.
This shift in the market dynamics has also created opportunities for other poultry exporters. Brazil and Russia, in particular, have seen a notable upswing in the value of their chicken feet exports to China. Import data from Trade Data Monitor via Southern Ag Today indicates that Brazil’s exports of chicken feet to China have risen by 77.4%, while Russia’s exports have seen a 41.8% increase.
The evolving trends in the chicken feet export market highlight the delicate balance between supply, demand, and regulatory factors, underscoring the challenges and opportunities faced by the global poultry industry.
