UTRECHT, Netherlands – Market volatility and geopolitical tensions are reshaping global flows of poultry, and exporters need new strategies to adapt to this changing reality, RaboResearch, Food & Agribusiness, said in its New Global Poultry Trade Reality report. Slow growth and higher risks are hallmarks of the new global poultry trade.

Global poultry growth has slowed to 1 to 2 percent per year, and poultry’s share of trade in global markets has slipped to 10.9 percent from 11.5 percent. Avian influenza outbreaks, rising protectionism, supply issues in exporting countries and changing standards for imports are challenging global trade.

But poultry meat remains the most traded animal protein in the world with a market share of approximately 41 percent in the 31 million tonne meat trade despite headwinds, RaboResearch said, and stakeholders need to think beyond exports to maintain and grow their share.

For example, companies should consider direct investments in local markets because fast-growing emerging markets — Pakistan, Bangladesh, East Africa — remain closed to trade. An “exporter only” focus won’t deliver the growth of the past, the reported stated.

Also, investments in alternative export platforms will help companies diversify origins of poultry supplies and reduce risk of supply shocks due to AI. Processed poultry has shown significant growth in value and volume, so investments in this high-value segment make sense, RaboResearch said.