Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

China has become a net chicken exporter, shipping about $2.6 billion in chicken products in 2025—almost twice its 2020 value—while dairy exports are on course to reach $600 million in 2026. The change reflects a sharp mismatch between expanded farm capacity and softer domestic demand, especially for pork. Lower prices are winning buyers, but food-safety scrutiny, origin-label rules and anti-dumping cases could determine how far the export push goes.

What changed in China’s food trade

Customs data cited in a 2026 report show China became a net exporter of chicken and shipped approximately $2.6 billion of chicken products last year. That is almost double the level recorded in 2020. Dairy exports are also growing rapidly: trade data cited by Reuters indicate they are on track for about $600 million in 2026, twice the value of three years earlier.

This is not a claim that every Chinese food category has a surplus. Agriculture and food still recorded a trade deficit of just over $100 billion in the prior year, although the gap was narrowing. The export growth is concentrated in categories where producers added capacity and can compete on processing cost, including poultry, prepared chicken and selected dairy products.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why producers have excess chicken to sell

Capacity expanded after the African swine-fever shock

After the 2018 African swine-fever outbreak reduced China’s pork supply, producers expanded farms, slaughterhouses and processing lines. The Covid-19 period reinforced government policies focused on food security and domestic control of meat supplies. Those investments left the industry with larger facilities and more birds even after the emergency had passed.

#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter | 4Pack Type C Female to A Male Cable Converter for Apple Duo 17 16 15 14 Plus,iWatch Watch 12 11 10,iPad 9 8 Air,Airpods 5 4
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

Domestic diets are shifting

Official data and state media cited in the 2026 report show pork consumption fell 13% from its 2023 peak. Chicken intake, by contrast, rose more than 50% per person during the decade through 2024. Urban consumers have been moving away from fatty pork, while poultry is marketed as a relatively leaner and more convenient protein.

Production continued reaching new highs despite an economic slowdown, weak consumer demand and a shrinking population. When domestic sales cannot absorb that output, large processors have an incentive to place the surplus overseas.

Subsidies lower the pressure on producers

The OECD estimates that subsidies represented about 13% of Chinese agricultural producers’ gross farm receipts in 2022–2024, nearly triple the level seen in the early 2000s. Support does not make every shipment profitable, but it can help companies maintain plants, finance expansion and quote aggressive prices while they build export accounts.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Sale
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter | USB C Dongle with 90W Max Power Delivery, 3×5Gbps USB A Data Ports, for MacBook, Dell, and More (Charger Not Included)
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

How Chinese poultry competes on price and speed

Factor Chinese supply Comparison or implication
Reported price Breast meat and leg quarters were reported 10%–20% below Brazilian products. Wintop said its advantage reached about $1,000 per tonne against Brazilian and Thai competitors.
Production cycle Wintop’s birds average 2.5 kg and are slaughtered in under 42 days. Short cycles support high throughput and rapid replacement of flocks.
Processing Plants produce breasts, nuggets, meatballs, dumplings, marinated chicken and ready meals. Value-added products can travel beyond the market for whole birds or commodity cuts.
Market access Exports are expanding in Europe, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere. Access depends on each market’s approval, testing and labeling rules.

Wintop Food in Shandong processes about 60 million chickens a year into both basic cuts and prepared foods for more than 20 countries. Exports generated half of its profits last year and are financing a 33-acre expansion. Over a decade, the company increased birds per shed from 20,000 to 120,000.

Wintop general manager Dang Yangyang said international buyers once distrusted Chinese quality, but a price difference of $1,000 per tonne versus Brazilian and Thai products can force a commercial choice. He also said the company is exporting to any countries it can reach because buyers actively seek a significant price advantage.

Sunner is pursuing a different route: more marinated chicken and ready meals rather than only low-priced raw cuts. Its overseas sales rose 42% to $135 million last year, and it is developing local capacity with partners, including in Uzbekistan. That approach can reduce freight exposure and adapt products to local tastes, but it requires more investment and regulatory work.

Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter | 85W Max PD, 2 USB 3.0 & 1 USBC Data Ports, SD/TF Card Reader, for Laptops/Mac and Other Type C Devices (Charger Not Included)
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Where the exports are gaining ground

Europe and the United Kingdom

Consultancy Gira estimates that China has doubled its share of the European Union’s processed-poultry market to 10% since 2022. Its share of the UK market has tripled to more than 14% over the same period. These figures concern processed poultry, not every poultry import category, and therefore do not mean China supplies one-tenth of all chicken eaten in the EU.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Asia and emerging markets

Chinese poultry is gaining in Japan while Thailand’s leading position is slipping. Chinese dairy products are competing with New Zealand and European brands in Nigeria and Bangladesh and displacing some Indian and Iranian suppliers in parts of the Middle East. Price-sensitive buyers may accept a newer supplier when the savings are large, particularly for ingredients or processed products rather than premium fresh meat.

Why the boom is creating trade friction

Anti-dumping action

The European Commission opened an anti-dumping investigation into Peking duck imports. It has also imposed duties of 41%–67% on Chinese pea protein. These measures do not automatically apply to chicken or dairy, but they demonstrate how quickly a low-price export surge can trigger formal trade defenses.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray | Data transfer & Fast charging for MacBook, iPhone 17/16/15, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Apple Watch
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

Origin labeling and food-safety expectations

The EU says imported food must meet the same health and safety standards as locally produced food and plans stronger EU-origin poultry labeling from 2027. Clearer labeling may reassure shoppers, but it can also make origin a decisive factor for restaurants, retailers and public procurement.

Gordon Butland of G&S Agriconsultants said exporters need to build lasting confidence in safety, traceability and consistency. Some buyers still prefer Thai poultry because they regard its taste and quality as more consistent. A low invoice price cannot compensate for rejected consignments, uneven specifications or a loss of consumer trust.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Pressure on established exporters

Thai processors are already feeling the effect. Kukrit Arepagorn of the Thai Broiler Processing Exporters Association said customers increasingly use cheap Chinese chicken as a reference point when negotiating prices. Brazilian suppliers face the same challenge when Chinese offers are 10%–20% lower for comparable breast meat and leg quarters.

Best Value
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display | 85W Max PD, 1 Powered USB-C 5Gbps & 2 Powered USB-A 3.0 5Gbps Data Ports, for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell and More (Black)
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What happens next

China’s export model is likely to develop along two tracks: commodity poultry that competes primarily on cost, and branded or ready-to-eat products that compete on convenience and formulation. Dairy companies are following a similar logic. Yili executive Zhang Yuan said every Chinese livestock company is planning to expand overseas because growth increasingly requires foreign markets.

The outcome will depend on more than production volume. Import approvals, residue testing, cold-chain reliability, local partners, consumer perception and the risk of anti-dumping duties will determine which destinations remain profitable. Beijing-based agribusiness consultant Michael Boddington described the shift from major buyer to emerging exporter as disruptive for the global meat market.

For importing countries, the immediate benefit is cheaper protein and more supplier choice. The policy question is whether those savings endure after investigations, tariffs or labeling requirements. For Chinese producers, overseas sales provide an outlet for excess capacity—but sustained growth requires proving that low prices come with dependable safety, traceability and product consistency.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.