South Korea: Poultry and Products Annual

Korea's chicken production is expected to decrease by one percent in 2027 to 930,000 metric tons (MT) amid domestic supply pressures and the absence of major international sporting events. Consumption is forecast to hold steady at 1.14 million MT, as a slight decline in demand for domestic chicken is offset by continued growth in imported chicken. Imports are expected to grow by 3.8 percent to 270,000 MT, driven by sustained food price inflation pushing processors and foodservice businesses toward cheaper imported chicken. Brazil should remain the top supplier, though U.S. imports are poised for modest gains following some easing of inspection requirements. Exports are projected to remain steady at 60,000 MT, with growth in European demand for processed chicken products helping to offset softening Vietnamese demand for frozen layer hens.