ПТИЦЕВЪДСТВО Poultry Market Watch - April 2026
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In April, commodity markets were influenced by both geopolitical and weather-related factors. Although volatility eased compared with March, tensions in the Middle East persist and continue to support energy and input prices.
European markets are easing in April, with live bird prices in Belgium and the Netherlands down around 10 cents/kg MoM. In Brazil, prices partially rebounded from March drop tied to Middle East trade disruptions. Input costs remain volatile with an upward bias, squeezing producers’ margins in surplus regions (notably Europe and China) where farmgate prices lag. Consumption growth stays positive, but conditions may weigh on H2 2026, making a supply-side correction increasingly likely.
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – EUROPE
European chicken prices dipped 0.6% in April. The apparent increase on the chart is linked to a drop in the EUR-USD exchange rate. Live bird prices fell more sharply, with Deinze and ABC down over 10 cents/kg in a month (~‑10%). After months of tight supply, the market turned as Polish supply rebounded and Belgian/Dutch output surged. Low prices are expected for at least the next 10 weeks. Import pressure intensified the decline, with EU imports up ~100% YoY in April (Brazil +138%, Ukraine +121%, Thailand +78%).
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – USA
US chicken prices edged up 1.3% in April. Market activity is described as moderate, with stable demand for whole birds and most cuts, while breast meat supply remains at least adequate. Dark meat – thighs and drumsticks – continues to see subdued activity. The market remains in an oversupply position, and hatchery data points to further pressure ahead: chick placements rose 3% in April year-on-year, suggesting the market will remain well-supplied in coming months. Prices are expected to stabilise or soften, in line with typical seasonal patterns.
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – BRAZIL
Brazil’s chicken prices recovered in April on record exports and improved competitiveness. Volumes previously destined for the Middle East, were redirected to the EU, Africa and the Americas. April exports rose 3% YoY (record), despite the sharp drop in Middle East shipments (-24%), offset by Africa +37%, Europe +26% and the Americas +37%. Rising feed and energy costs continue to pressure producer margins despite firmer export prices.
BROILER CHICKEN PRICE OVERVIEW – CHINA
In April, farmgate broiler prices in China edged slightly higher, improving farm-level profitability after several difficult months. While wholesale chicken prices remained under pressure – partly due to substitution from low pork prices – operators report a more dynamic market tone and a return to profitability. A growing number of processors are positioning on export markets as a structural growth driver and a market stabilisation lever. China exported approximately 150,000 tonnes of poultry in April, a record high and up 65% YoY.
POULTRY MARKET WATCH is a monthly newsletter edited by Ceva Headquarters Libourne, France) Editor-in-chief: Caroline Gremillet, Ceva. Writers: Caroline Gremillet Market Data) Mohamed Bouizidi ABCIS, Poultry Market Analysis)All figures are from public sources and when using them, you are required to acknowledge their original sources and Ceva’s reprocessing. Experts in animal sectors – ABCIS