By Charlie Reeve
EU broiler prices have continued on their upwards trajectory to average 304 eurocents a kg in late June.
Prices in the EU remain very high and have risen by a further 3% in the past month.
They are currently tracking at almost 1% higher than the same month last year and are well above the five-year average.
EU poultry meat production has also increased, up by roughly 6% in the EU-27 during the first three months of the year.
Demand still remains strong though, with prices still high despite greater production, an increase in import volumes, and fewer exports.
Poultry meat exports from the EU dropped back by 7% during January and February this year to 328,000 tonnes, while imports jumped by 5% to 172,000 tonnes.
Further afield, Broiler prices in the US are recovering and stood at the equivalent of 235 eurocents a kg in late June.
Meanwhile, prices in Brazil have eased slightly in the past month to roughly 120 eurocents a kg.
Roughly 600m broiler chicks were placed in the Eu in April, down slightly on the previous month but still above year earlier levels.
Eggs
EU egg prices have fallen further in the past month and averaged 268 eurocents a kg in late June.
However, prices are still slightly above year-earlier levels and well above the five year average.
The EU market maintains a small premium in comparison to other global markets including the US, Brazil, and India.
Egg prices in Brazil are currently trading at roughly 145 eurocents a kg, while prices in India and the US are trading at 87 eurocents a kg and 70 eurocents a kg respectively.
Laying hen placings in the EU lifted immensely during April, surpassing 25m birds, well above year earlier levels.
France, Germany, Spain and Italy remain the major players in EU egg production, collectively accounting for more than half of total production in the bloc.