Mexico Poultry & Products 2025
Source: USDA FAS, Poultry and Products Annual – Mexico (dated Aug 20, 2025)
Mexico’s poultry sector remains on a steady growth track. Chicken stays the most affordable animal protein, underpinning resilient consumer demand alongside an expanding hotels, restaurants, and institutions (HRI) sector. Production is rising with better biosecurity and efficiency, but imports will still be needed to meet demand—primarily from the United States, with Brazil’s share increasing on frozen product flows.
By the Numbers (Calendar Years)
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 (est.) | 2026 (fcst.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Production (MMT) | 3.990 | 4.085 | 4.150 |
| Imports (MMT) | 1.021 | 1.070 | 1.140 |
| Consumption (MMT) | 5.007 | 5.150 | 5.285 |
| Exports (MMT) | 0.004 | 0.005 | 0.005 |
MMT = million metric tons.
Production & Efficiency
- Sector investment in biosecurity and improved practices reduced hatchling mortality and supports further growth into 2026.
- Large, vertically integrated operations (>100,000 birds) account for over 75% of production, cushioning input cost volatility.
- Top producing states: Jalisco, Puebla, Veracruz.
- Lower feed costs—driven by U.S. yellow corn—boosted profitability and allowed diet optimization across production stages.
Consumption & Retail
- Chicken remains the most affordable protein and is resilient to price swings; demand is reinforced by population growth and urbanization.
- Whole birds dominate retail (~80% of sales), with the HRI/tourism sectors adding consistent demand.
- Retail price movements (2025 vs. 2024): Whole carcass +19%, breast +15%, chicken leg quarter +11%.
Trade Outlook
- Imports rise to cover demand not met by local production; the U.S. remains the lead supplier of fresh/chilled cuts (leg quarters, MDM), while Brazil expands frozen product flows (breasts, wings, bone-in cuts).
- HRI growth is the key pull for imports; processed meat manufacturers value competitively priced imported parts.
Feed Usage & Corn Dependency
The United States supplies over 95% of Mexico’s imported yellow corn—critical for poultry feed. In 2024, commercial feed mills recorded near 3% growth in broiler feed and just over 1% growth in layer feed. Lower feed prices improved margins and supported higher poultry output.
| Year | Broiler Feed | Layer Feed | Total Feed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (est.) | 1.86 MMT | 9.81 MMT | 11.67 MMT |
| 2025 (est.) | 1.91 MMT | 9.91 MMT | 11.82 MMT |
| 2026 (fcst., est.) | 1.97 MMT | 10.01 MMT | 11.98 MMT |
Methodology: broiler lifetime feed ≈ 4.5 kg/bird; layers ≈ 45 kg/bird/year; USDA-reported growth rates applied.
