Dutch poultry meat exports at lowest level in 16 years

The Dutch poultry meat exports reached their lowest level in at least sixteen years in the first five months of 2026. This is partly the result of lower exports to the United Kingdom. European exports, meanwhile, remain subdued. Dutch chicken meat exports declined again in the first five months of 2026. Exports to the United Kingdom in particular fell, while growth to Ghana and Zambia only offset part of this decline. At the European level, exports increased slightly, with Poland driving the growth among the largest exporters. Up to and including May, Dutch poultry meat exports amounted to 168,233 tonnes, 4.3% less than in the same period last year. This put export volume 7,586 tonnes below the level of 2025, when the Netherlands exported 175,819 tonnes in the first five months. This means exports have fallen to their lowest level in at least sixteen years. Eurostat's dataset does not go back further. In May itself, exports also lagged behind; monthly volume fell by 10.8% to 35,261 tonnes. At 168,233 tonnes, the Netherlands recorded the lowest export volume up to and including May in the past ten years. Compared with the average over the period 2017 to 2026, exports are almost 24% lower. The decline therefore fits into a longer-term trend: since the peak of 322,969 tonnes in 2019, Dutch exports have almost halved. Less chicken to the United Kingdom The United Kingdom remained by far the most important destination for Dutch chicken in the first five months with 73,831 tonnes. However, exports to this market fell by 8.4% compared with last year. Ghana, on the other hand, showed clear growth. Exports to the country rose by 23.2% to 30,844 tonnes. Zambia also took significantly more Dutch chicken. Exports almost doubled to 5,294 tonnes. Exports to Mozambique remained virtually stable at 5,649 tonnes, while exports to Congo fell by 57.8% to 3,091 tonnes. Together, these five destinations accounted for 118,709 tonnes, 2.3% less than last year. European exports rise slightly Total European chicken meat exports increased slightly in the first five months of 2026. Up to and including May, exports amounted to 802,792 tonnes, 1.3% more than in the same period last year. This put export volume 10,475 tonnes above the level of 2025, when 792,317 tonnes were exported. In May itself, however, exports at around 158,000 tonnes were 0.5% lower than a year earlier. Despite the growth compared with last year, European export volume remains relatively modest. In the past ten years, exports were only lower in 2022, 2023 and 2025. Compared with the average over the past ten years, exports remain almost 6% below the ten-year average. Poland keeps European exports afloat With 295,010 tonnes, Poland remained by far the largest European exporter and exported 6.1% more than last year. This meant the Polish export volume increased by almost 17,000 tonnes. The Netherlands remained the second-largest exporter with 168,233 tonnes, but saw exports fall by 4.3%. The other major exporters also declined. Belgian exports fell by 5.4% to 54,290 tonnes, while France exported 5.8% less and came to 52,786 tonnes. Spanish exports fell by 4.4% to 38,064 tonnes. Together, the five countries exported 608,383 tonnes, almost the same as last year. Polish growth therefore almost fully compensated for the declines in the other four countries. Ghana gains ground as an export destination The United Kingdom remained the largest destination for European chicken meat exports with 278,830 tonnes, although the volume fell by 0.9%. Ghana, on the other hand, showed strong growth. Exports to this market rose by 13.3% to 81,435 tonnes. Exports to Ukraine and Vietnam also increased. Ukraine imported 8.1% more and came to 22,938 tonnes, while exports to Vietnam rose by 3.3% to 27,657 tonnes. Exports to Congo, by contrast, fell by 17.3% to 17,447 tonnes. Together, these five destinations received 428,307 tonnes, 1.4% more than last year.