Which markets offer the best prospects for U.S. poultry meat producers and exporters?
Russia and China, with their large populations and growing demand, will remain important markets with substantial short-term potential. China has diverse market segments for wings, paws, leg quarters and high-value products. Exporters that concentrate on maintaining market share through competitive prices, quality and service will likely secure a market presence. Ukraine, Estonia and Latvia are small to medium markets in their own right that also transship products to Russia. If Russia closes its market to U.S. poultry for some reason, it might also halt U.S. products shipped through other points. Should that occur, U.S. poultry exporters could minimize their investment in the Baltics and divert their resources to attractive market segments in Ukraine. Mexico and Canada are our third- and fifth-largest poultry meat markets, respectively. Some trade issues curtail sales in these markets, and sales will likely rise slowly in the next few years. Mexico’s imports will likely grow in spurts
