According to USDA-FAS GAIN Report TU2024-22, released on June 12th, the Government of Turkiye will impose restrictions on the export of poultry meat to reduce cost to domestic consumers.
Due to high production costs and low margins, output of chicken will decline by 3.1 percent in 2023 to 2.33 million metric tons (RTC) compared to 2022 at 2.4 million metric tons. Concurrently chicken meat consumption in 2023 increased to 1.86 million metric tons and is anticipated to be higher at 1.9 million metric tons in 2024. Accordingly, meat exports will decline by at least half to 270,000 metric tons following the 2024 restriction that will extend from May 1st to December 31st, 2024.
USDA-FAS recorded a 150 percent increase in retail chicken meat prices over the past six months. Chicken is the leading animal protein consumed and high price and lower availability have become embarrassing the ruling party that was forced to form a coalition government after the most recent general election.
Reduction in exports by Turkiye, principally to central Asian nations creates opportunities for competitors including Russia, Brazil and the U.S.