According to the USDA, China’s consumption of broiler meat increased to 12.0 million metric tons in 2008, a 5% increase from 11.4 million tons in 2007. This significant increase is fueled by the overall growth of the Chinese economy and corresponding growth in disposal income. Accelerating this trend is an increase in the price of pork, traditionally China’s main source of protein, which has resulted in higher demand for chicken as consumers seek alternative meat products. Furthermore, according to Rabobank, by 2015, the production of broiler meat will reach 15 million tons.

China is currently a net importer of broiler meat. What’s more, while China is the second largest poultry consumer in the world behind the United States, per capita consumption is only about one third of the level of developed countries. These factors indicate that China will see a sustained increase inthe demand for broiler meat well into the future.