Germany moves closer to expanding poultry exports to Japan, China
Germany says negotiations with China have brought poultry market access closer than before.
GERMANY – Germany’s poultry industry has welcomed progress made during Federal Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer’s trade mission to Japan and China, saying the discussions have improved prospects for expanding poultry exports into two of Asia’s largest markets.
The Central Association of the German Poultry Industry (ZDG) said the delegation, which included representatives from the federal ministry, German embassies and the business community, held productive discussions aimed at improving market access for German poultry products.
Japan recognises the EU regionalisation approach
According to ZDG, one of the key outcomes of the visit was Japan’s confirmation that it recognises the European Union’s regionalisation policy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), allowing poultry exports from disease-free regions to continue even if outbreaks occur elsewhere.
The industry said the decision could reduce trade disruptions linked to avian influenza outbreaks by allowing unaffected production areas to maintain exports instead of imposing nationwide restrictions.
ZDG Managing Director Wolfgang Schleicher said the remaining priority is to complete and sign the required veterinary protocols and export certificates needed to implement the arrangement.
The organisation added that the agreement would provide poultry producers with greater certainty when planning exports to the Japanese market during future disease outbreaks.
China negotiations continue
The association also reported progress in discussions with Chinese authorities, saying Germany is closer than ever to securing market access for poultry breeding stock, genetics and poultry meat exports.
Schleicher said negotiations have advanced significantly, but stressed that opening the Chinese market remains a long-term process requiring continued engagement from both governments.
He added that while Germany has given the negotiations high priority, achieving a final agreement will also depend on China maintaining the same level of commitment throughout the process.
The industry representative praised the work of Minister Rainer and the wider German delegation, describing the visit as an important step in strengthening export opportunities for the country’s agricultural and food sectors.
ZDG said continued cooperation between government officials and industry representatives will be necessary to complete negotiations and expand access for German poultry products in international markets.
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