Taiwan Poultry Market : Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Transitioned from backyard farming in the 1960s, Taiwan’s poultry industry dominates 50.2% of both production (notably meat production of boilers and cull hens) and value contributions in the livestock market. In 2013, the industry valued over US$3.45 billion and accounted for 18.57% of the total agricultural output.

Market Dynamics

With 86.68 kg of meat consumed per person annually, poultry meat leads the market, contributing over US$1.91 billion. White broiler chickens dominate the meat sector, followed by ducks and turkeys. The industry's growth is driven by the increasing preference for poultry due to its low fat and high protein content.

Egg consumption also plays a significant role, with 342 eggs per person per year and annual production reaching 8 billion eggs, valued at US$1.08 billion. Duck eggs, primarily used for salted and century eggs, contribute US$72.96 million, with 410 million eggs produced annually.

Value of Taiwan Poultry Production

All value are in NT$

Current rate 1 USD = 32.53 NTD

However, Taiwan faced an egg crisis in 2023, leading to the import of over 158 million fresh eggs as an emergency measure to address the nationwide shortage.

Market Challenges

From 2020 onward, Taiwan’s livestock sector faced significant challenges. To recover from pre-pandemic impacts, Taiwan imported over 240,000 tons of chicken meat. In 2023, the avian influenza outbreak and extreme weather changes caused stress in poultry, disrupting chicken and egg production, particularly among ducks and hens, leading to an egg shortage. This highlighted the urgent need for vaccination and enhanced biosecurity measures to mitigate such effects.

Additionally, rising import costs for key feed ingredients like corn and soybeans, driven by global inflation and the Russia-Ukraine war, have posed a major challenge for the industry to find alternative and healthier livestock feed solutions.

Price of Chicken Feed

All value are in NT$ / kg

Current rate 1 USD = 32.53 NTD

Market Outlook & Opportunities

Ongoing challenges in the livestock industry have created opportunities for innovation and technology, particularly in biosecurity and disease management systems to reduce outbreak impacts. Furthermore, the development of alternative feeds to cut costs presents promising opportunities for international research and product innovation.

Source : 2023 Taiwan Poultry Statistics Handbook (https://www.facebook.com/WPSATaiwanBranch1989/posts/pfbid0eVjmMCrVoZPDMAQFbf1ybyxR3B585iKzPndDc8AD1WefCCyyEhqNocz8P2SgYCnvl?rdid=V4k4FpHrQP1n3J03  )