By Charlie Reeve
EU broiler prices averaged 299 eurocents a kg in late May, having lifted by a further 3% in the past month alone.
Prices in the EU are at their highest levels since last summer’s peak and continue to track well above the five-year average.
Strong demand for poultry meat within the EU has led to fewer exports and greater import volumes entering the market.
Poultry meat exports from the EU dropped back by 12% during January to 160,000 tonnes, while imports lifted marginally to just shy of 90,000 tonnes.
Broiler prices in the US are also on the up, lifting to the equivalent of 237 eurocents a kg for the week ending 27 May.
Prices in Brazil have also strengthened reaching roughly 130 eurocents a kg towards the end of May.
Poultry meat production across the EU-27 increased by 2.8% during the first two months of the year.
EU poultry placings of broiler chicks remained in excess of 500m birds during March.
Eggs
EU egg prices have been in decline since peaking in early April and averaged 280 eurocents a kg in late May.
However, prices still remain above year-earlier levels.
The EU market maintains its premium above other global markets including the US, Brazil, and India.
Egg prices in Brazil are currently trading at roughly 144 eurocents a kg, while prices in the US and Brazil are trading at 82 eurocents a kg and 78 eurocents a kg respectively.
Laying hen placings in the EU shot up during March to more than 20m birds, well above year earlier levels.
French, Germany, Spain and Italy remain the major players in EU egg production, collectively accounting for more than half of total production in the bloc.