Leslie Massey
Australia's chicken meat industry is highly vertically integrated, with about 800 chicken meat growers and 12,400 supported jobs across the country. The industry has been growing consistently over the last decade, with exports reaching $127 million in 2023, a 23% increase. While most of the chicken meat is produced for the domestic market, Australia has exported chicken to various countries, including Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Vanuatu, and Singapore. The Australian government has strict import and export regulations for chicken meat, with only a few countries meeting the rigorous requirements. These regulations are in place to ensure food safety and maintain Australia's reputation as a leading producer of high-quality chicken meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of chicken meat growers in Australia | Over 800 |
| Number of jobs supported by the industry | 12,400 |
| Largest chicken meat-producing state | New South Wales |
| Percentage of national production by largest chicken meat-producing state | 32% |
| Second-largest chicken meat-producing state | Queensland |
| Percentage of national production by second-largest chicken meat-producing state | 21% |
| Total value of poultry meat exports in 2019-20 | $85 million |
| Largest export market in terms of volume and value | Papua New Guinea |
| Second-largest export market | Philippines |
| Third-largest export market | Vanuatu |
| Country with separate protocols for importing cooked chicken meat | New Zealand |
| Percentage of Australian chicken meat production consumed domestically | 96% |
| Average bird weight in 2023 | 2.07 kg |
| Producer price of poultry | $2.43/kg |
| Number of poultry meat farms in Queensland in 2021 | Nearly 200 |
| Number of poultry processors accredited with Safe Food Production Queensland in 2021 | 13 |
| Average annual domestic consumption of chicken meat per person in 2013-14 | 44 kg |
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What You'll Learn
Papua New Guinea, Australia's largest export market
Australian poultry meat is primarily produced for domestic consumption, with only a small amount being exported. However, exports have been steadily increasing over the past decade, reaching $127 million in 2023, a 23% increase.
Papua New Guinea is Australia's largest export market for chicken, with exports totalling $44 million in 2023, a 31% increase year on year. It is also the largest export market in terms of volume and value. Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) share close economic ties as members of the British Commonwealth, with Australia being PNG's principal trading partner.
The poultry sector in Australia has faced challenges in recent years, including supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and labour shortages, which have impacted production. Despite these issues, the industry has shown resilience, with NSW, the largest chicken meat-producing state, increasing production by 1.8% in 2022-23.
Demand for chicken in Australia remains strong, with Australians consuming an average of 47.46 kg of chicken per person each year, making it the most consumed meat protein in the country. The price advantage of chicken over red meat has also been a significant factor in the growth of the industry, with chicken being approximately four times cheaper than beef.
While Papua New Guinea is the largest export market, other significant destinations for Australian chicken exports include the Philippines ($27 million), Vanuatu ($12 million), and Singapore ($3.3 million).
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The Philippines, with exports growing by 45%
The Philippines is the third-largest export market for Australian chicken, with exports growing by 45% to $27 million. Chicken meat imports from Australia, Brazil, and the US make up 34.5% of the Philippines' total meat imports.
In 2024, the Philippines' chicken production increased by 7.67% from the first quarter of 2023 to the same period in 2024, resulting in lower farm gate and retail prices of chicken meat. Despite this increase in production, the Philippines still faces a projected chicken meat shortage in 2024 and beyond. This shortage is expected to drive up chicken prices and impact the country's ability to meet consumer demand.
In 2025, chicken meat imports are expected to rise slightly to 480,000 MT as demand continues to exceed domestic supply. This increase in imports will be driven by factors such as declining feed costs and a reduction in areas affected by avian influenza and African swine fever. However, challenges such as a limited supply of day-old chicks will likely temper the growth of chicken meat production in the Philippines.
The Philippines' high demand for chicken meat presents opportunities for Australian exporters to meet this demand and capitalize on the growing market. However, it is important to note that local poultry farmers in the Philippines are facing intensified competition from imports, which may impact their market share and profitability over time.
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$19.99
Vanuatu, with exports growing by 59%
Australian poultry meat is mainly produced for domestic consumption, with very little exported. However, exports have been growing consistently over the last decade, reaching $127 million in 2023, a 23% increase.
Australia's largest export market is Papua New Guinea ($44 million, up 31% year-on-year), followed by the Philippines ($27 million, up 45%). The third-largest market is Vanuatu, with exports growing by 59% to $12 million. This makes it a significant market for Australian chicken exports.
Vanuatu has a conducive environment for raising livestock, and the domestic production of poultry forms an essential part of the economy. While beef exports have increased in recent years, there are challenges to further growth, such as poor transport and limited government support. The pork industry in Vanuatu is underdeveloped, and the country currently imports pork and pork products worth 50-60 million vatu per quarter.
There is one large commercial broiler chicken farm in Vanuatu, which imports either day-old chicks or hatching eggs from New Zealand. Around 200,000 chickens are slaughtered each year, while over 1,600 tonnes of chicken meat is imported. This presents an opportunity for Australian chicken exports, as the country's imports continue to grow.
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Singapore, with streamlined import processes
Australia's chicken meat industry is highly vertically integrated, with about 800 chicken meat growers and 12,400 supported jobs across the country. The majority of Australian poultry production is consumed domestically, with only a small portion exported. In 2019-20, the total value of poultry meat exports was $85 million, with the largest export markets being Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Vanuatu.
While exports to Singapore are smaller, they have been growing strongly following streamlined import processes in 2022. In fact, exports to Singapore have increased by 110%, from $1.5 million to $3.3 million. This growth can be attributed to the simplified import procedures, making it easier for Australian chicken exporters to access the Singaporean market.
The Australian chicken meat industry is subject to strict regulations and standards. The Australian Government has conducted an extensive Import Risk Analysis (IRA) and established risk management measures for various disease agents. These rigorous requirements must be met by exporting countries, and New Zealand is currently the only country permitted to import raw chicken meat into Australia under specified conditions.
Australian chicken meat is also exported to other countries, with some markets showing strong growth. For example, NSW poultry exports increased by 28% to $25 million. However, the industry faces challenges such as rising costs, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions, impacting production and resulting in chicken shortages in early 2023.
To ensure food safety, Australian chicken meat exports must comply with the Imported Food Control Act 1992 and the Australian Food Standards Code. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is authorized to inspect, sample, and test imported chicken meat for microbial agents or residues that may pose a risk to public health. These measures ensure that Australian chicken meat exports meet the highest standards and can access markets with streamlined import processes, such as Singapore.
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New Zealand, the only country permitted to import raw chicken meat to Australia
Australia exports chicken to several countries, with Papua New Guinea being the largest market in terms of volume and value. In 2023, exports to Papua New Guinea were valued at $44 million, followed by the Philippines at $27 million, and Vanuatu at $12 million. Exports to Singapore are also growing, with streamlined import processes contributing to an 110% increase in 2022.
While Australia exports chicken to various countries, the focus of this discussion is on the import of raw chicken meat into Australia, which is strictly controlled by the government. Due to rigorous requirements, New Zealand is the only country permitted to import raw chicken meat into Australia, under specified conditions. This is based on an extensive Import Risk Analysis (IRA) conducted by the Australian Government to establish risk management measures for various disease agents.
New Zealand's ability to meet these stringent requirements sets it apart from other countries. The import of raw chicken meat from New Zealand is carefully regulated to ensure food safety and mitigate disease risks. This trust built upon New Zealand's robust food safety and biosecurity measures has earned it the distinction of being the sole country allowed to export raw chicken meat to Australia.
In addition to raw chicken meat, New Zealand is also a significant source of cooked chicken meat imports for Australia. Under a separate protocol, New Zealand is permitted to export cooked chicken meat, which must comply with the Imported Food Control Act 1992 and the Australian Food Standards Code. The chickens from which the cooked meat is produced must originate from New Zealand, and the meat must undergo a specific cooking process to ensure the eradication of pests or bacteria.
The relationship between Australia and New Zealand in the chicken meat trade is unique. While Australia exports chicken to multiple countries, the import of raw chicken meat is exclusively permitted from New Zealand due to its ability to meet Australia's stringent requirements. This highlights the trust and confidence Australia places in New Zealand's agricultural and food safety standards, fostering a distinct aspect of trade between these two countries.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's largest export markets for chicken are Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Vanuatu. Exports to Singapore are smaller but growing.
In 2019-20, the total value of poultry meat exports was $85 million. In 2023, exports reached $127 million.
Yes, Australia imports cooked chicken meat from New Zealand and Thailand. However, most chicken meat in Australia is produced domestically.
