The world trade in poultry products is relatively small in relation to world production.  Almost all of the poultry meat produced in Australia is consumed in the domestic market.

For the past five years, exports accounted for approximately 4% of annual Australian poultry production volumes.  Australian poultry meat exports are expected to contract from approximately 31,000 tonnes in 2006 to 18,000 tonnes by 2016 .  This is expected to result from improved supply chain management reducing the level of excesses in the market which traditionally have been frozen and exported.

The volume of imported poultry is limited and is expected to remain so due to government quarantine restrictions intended to stop the entry of exotic diseases into Australia.  The importation of chicken meat from countries other than New Zealand is only allowed if the meat is cooked at approximately 74-80 degrees Celsius for 125-165 minutes.  This effectively protects Australian domestic poultry producers from direct competition from abroad, particularly in fresh chicken meat categories. 

Despite proposals for the importation of uncooked chicken meat, it remains prohibited.  Steggles expects a continuation of the current restrictions on imported poultry products in the foreseeable future.

Export Inquiries 

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