Poland remains a globally recognized producer of high-quality poultry meat, with approximately 60% of its annual production—nearly 2 million tons—destined for export. Polish producers are working to strengthen their position in international markets, prioritizing the resumption of exports to China, which were suspended five years ago due to avian flu. Negotiations to finalize the agreement are currently underway.
Progress Toward Resuming Exports to China
“We are very pleased that the presidents of Poland and China have signed an agreement to introduce regionalization for avian flu—a key document for ensuring seamless exports. During the signing, both sides agreed to finalize all technical details regarding regionalization by the end of this year,” said Dariusz Goszczyński, CEO of the National Poultry Council – Chamber of Commerce (KRD-IG), in an interview with Newseria.
Numerous meetings have already taken place between Polish and Chinese representatives. A Chinese inspection visit in November resulted in a positive audit. Goszczyński expressed hope that technical negotiations would conclude by year-end, allowing the formal agreement to be signed and exports to resume shortly thereafter.
The Impact of Regionalization
China suspended imports of Polish poultry in 2020 following outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu. This restriction was lifted in June 2023 as a result of agreements between Polish President Andrzej Duda and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The regionalization framework allows exports to continue from unaffected regions even if avian flu outbreaks occur locally. This minimizes losses for Polish poultry exporters, as evidenced by data from Poland’s Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, which reported 46 outbreaks in 2023 compared to 68 in 2022, impacting over 1 million birds annually.
Currently, nine Polish facilities are authorized to export to China, with previous experience exporting 25,000 tons of poultry annually before 2019. Goszczyński emphasized that China’s market potential is significantly larger.
Unique Opportunities in the Chinese Market
Unlike the European Union, where poultry breast meat dominates consumer preferences, the Chinese market is open to items such as feet, wings, and other parts less popular in Europe. This creates opportunities for optimizing trade and maximizing product value.
Expanding to Other Asian Markets
Polish producers are also targeting South Korea, with recent inspections of facilities by South Korean authorities. If approved, approximately 30 producers could begin exporting to South Korea. Additionally, Poland has restored access to other Asian markets, including the Philippines, where over 25,000 tons of poultry were exported this year.
“We are also engaged in discussions with Japan and expect an additional audit next year,” Goszczyński noted.
Growth and Global Demand
December forecasts indicate that Poland’s poultry sector will achieve a 5% production increase in 2023. As the EU’s largest producer, Poland generates approximately 3.2 million tons annually, with 60% exported. In 2023 alone, 1.7 million tons of poultry worth over €4 billion were exported, making poultry one of Poland’s top agricultural exports. Global demand for poultry continues to rise, outpacing other meats.
Competition and Challenges
While quality remains a key selling point for Polish poultry, cost competitiveness poses a challenge, particularly against producers from Brazil and other Mercosur countries. “Our focus on animal welfare and environmental standards incurs high costs that competitors like Brazil don’t face, making it difficult to compete on price. However, in terms of quality, we are undoubtedly the best in the world,” Goszczyński stressed.
The recently signed EU-Mercosur free trade agreement presents a potential threat, allowing 180,000 tons of poultry from Mercosur countries into the EU market. This could undermine EU producers and displace Polish poultry from its stronghold in the European market. Competition from Ukrainian producers further adds to the pressure on the sector.
Polish poultry producers remain resilient, striving to maintain their global reputation and navigate the evolving challenges in international trade.
