Processed chicken is Thailand's leading agricultural export segment.

The Thai agro-industry has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, and one of the most striking examples of this is the export of processed chicken. According to the Thai Ministry of Commerce, processed chicken exports increased by 4% year-on-year to US $234.9 million in June 2023. This growth occurred against the backdrop of an overall decline in agricultural and agro-industrial exports of 3.3%, highlighting the resilience and competitiveness of this segment.

Export dynamics

According to statistics, processed chicken exports increased by 6.2% in the first half of 2023 to US$1.416 billion. This indicates that Thai processed chicken is increasingly recognized in international markets. The main sales destinations are countries such as the United Kingdom , the Netherlands, Singapore, Ireland and Canada . These markets are actively interested in high-quality and safe products, which opens up new horizons for Thai producers.

At the same time, exports of fresh, chilled and frozen chicken showed negative dynamics, falling by 13.4%. This may be due to several factors, including changes in consumer preferences, as well as increased competition from other producing countries.

Reasons for the growth of processed chicken

One of the reasons for the growth of processed chicken exports is its high added value. Processed products usually include a variety of forms, such as chicken nuggets, fillets, sausages and other semi-finished products, which are in high demand in international markets. This allows producers to not only increase sales volumes, but also increase the margins of their products.

In addition, processed chicken often has a longer shelf life, making it more convenient for logistics and storage. This is especially important for countries with strict requirements for shelf life and transportation conditions.

Impact on the economy

The growth of processed chicken exports has a positive impact on the economy of Thailand. Agriculture and agro-industrial complex are important sectors of the economy, providing jobs and contributing to the development of local communities. Increasing export volumes also helps to attract foreign investment and stimulate innovation in production processes.

Thus, Thai processed chicken is becoming not only a leader in agricultural exports, but also an important factor in the country’s economic development. Despite the general challenges faced by the agro-industrial sector, Thai producers continue to adapt to changing conditions and find new opportunities for growth. This highlights the importance of a strategic approach to product development and promotion in the international market, which in turn ensures the sustainability and competitiveness of the Thai agro-industrial sector on a global scale.