Latin America accounts for almost 30% of global chicken meat production – Latin American Chicken Institute
The latest report follows Brazil’s record first half export performance, which helped reinforce the region’s position in international poultry trade.
LATIN AMERICA – Latin America and the Caribbean produced 31.5 million tonnes of chicken meat in 2025, accounting for 29.4% of global production and 57.6% of all chicken meat produced across the Americas, according to the 2026 Chicken Meat Report released by the Latin American Chicken Institute.
The report shows the region’s chicken meat production increased by 40.4% between 2010 and 2025, rising from 22.5 million tonnes to 31.5 million tonnes, exceeding the global production growth rate of 35.8% and the 36.1% increase recorded across the Americas during the same period.
Latin America also maintained a significant presence in global poultry trade after exporting approximately 5.74 million tonnes of chicken meat in 2025, equivalent to 39.4% of worldwide exports and 64.6% of all shipments originating from the Americas.
Despite its strong export performance, the majority of the region’s chicken meat remained in domestic markets, with total consumption reaching 27.4 million tonnes in 2025 and average per capita consumption estimated at around 41 kilograms annually.
Maria del Rosario Penedo de Falla, president of the Latin American Poultry Association, said Latin American Chicken Day recognises the contribution of thousands of families working across the poultry value chain to ensure consumers have access to quality protein that supports food security.
The production figures were released to coincide with Latin American Chicken Day, which is observed each year on the first Friday of July.
Brazil strengthens regional export performance
The regional report follows Brazil’s record-breaking chicken meat export performance during the first half of 2026, further highlighting Latin America’s growing role in international poultry markets.
According to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein, Brazil exported 482,800 tonnes of chicken meat in June 2026, an increase of 40.6% compared with the same month in 2025, while export revenue climbed 54.7% to US$985.5 million.
Between January and June, Brazilian chicken meat exports reached a record 2.936 million tonnes, up 12.9% year on year, generating US$5.7 billion in revenue, representing an increase of 17% over the corresponding period in 2025.
China remained Brazil’s largest export market during June, followed by Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, South Africa, Mexico, South Korea, the Philippines and Singapore, although the Brazilian industry said exceptionally high growth rates in several destinations reflected comparisons with a weak 2025 base following temporary trade restrictions linked to a single outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza that has since been resolved.
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