04.01.2011

The European Union will become a net importer of poultry meat by 2016 as domestic consumption rises more quickly than production, according to a report from the bloc on the outlook for agricultural markets.

EU poultry imports will surpass exports by 155,000 metric tons in 2020, the European Commission said in a report published on its website today. A strong euro and relatively high prices will hold back poultry shipments outside the 27-nation bloc’s borders, according to the commission, the EU’s executive arm.

Chicken’s low cost is helping to drive consumption of the meat along with its convenience compared to other meat products, according to the report. EU citizens will eat an average 24.7 kilograms (54.5 pounds) each of poultry meat in 2020, up from 23.2 kilograms last year, it shows.

“Prospects for the EU poultry market remain fairly upbeat despite the gradual reversal in the net trade position,” the commission said. “Animal disease-related concerns remain a key uncertainty regarding the outlook for the poultry sector.”

EU poultry-meat production is forecast to rise to 12.47 million tons in 2020 from 11.64 million tons last year as consumption increases to 12.71 million tons from 11.58 million tons in 2010, the report shows.

The bloc’s consumption of beef, veal and pork also is expected to rise this decade as people eat less mutton and goat meat, according to the report. The EU would remain a net exporter of pork while increasing inbound beef shipments, the commission said.