Buying Frozen Chicken from China in 2026: Supply, Prices and What to Check
By Adam Benkhou, International Sales, Jufangzhai
Published 21 October 2026 · Updated 21 October 2026
China has become one of the fastest-growing chicken exporters in the world. In the first five months of 2026, Chinese chicken meat exports reached 546,000 tonnes, about 51% more than a year earlier, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. At the same time, Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, is dealing with new trade restrictions after a Newcastle disease case in October 2026.
For importers in Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa, this changes the market. This guide explains what is driving Chinese chicken exports, why prices are lower, and what to check before you buy frozen chicken from China.
China's chicken exports in 2026: the key numbers
| Exports, January to May 2026 | 546,000 tonnes |
|---|---|
| Change on the same period of 2025 | About +51% |
| Largest product group | Chicken breast, more than half of exports in Q1 2026 |
| Main destinations | Japan, Hong Kong, Russia and the Middle East |
| Growing destinations | Africa and Central Asia |
The USDA links the growth to Chinese production rising faster than domestic demand, and to large integrated poultry companies building export customers. Bone-in chicken cuts are also growing quickly, though breast products lead.
Why Chinese frozen chicken is priced lower
Price is China's main advantage in export markets. Trade press reports that Chinese chicken breast and leg cuts are typically priced 10% to 20% below comparable Brazilian products in destination markets (Poultrymed, October 2026). The main reason is supply: Chinese poultry output has grown faster than local consumption, so exporters are looking abroad.
Prices still move with the market. Any quote you receive should state the product, the cut and trim, the packing, the Incoterm (CIF, CFR or FOB) and the destination port, and it is confirmed at the time of order.
What Brazil's Newcastle disease case means for importers
In October 2026, Brazil detected Newcastle disease at a commercial turkey farm in the state of Santa Catarina. China limited its restriction to poultry from Santa Catarina, Chile suspended fresh poultry meat from that state, and Mexico suspended poultry imports from all of Brazil (The AgriBiz, 20 October 2026).
Brazilian chicken from other states is still shipping to most markets. But each case like this reminds importers of the risk of depending on one origin. Many buyers now keep a second supplier country, so a ban in one place does not stop their supply. Always check the current rules with your own country's veterinary authority, because restrictions can change quickly.
Can you import frozen chicken from China? 6 things to check
Yes, if your country allows poultry from China and the shipment meets its import rules. Before you place an order, check these six points with your supplier:
- Plant approval. Many countries only accept poultry from plants on their approved list. Ask for the producing plant's name and its approval for your country.
- Halal certificate. Ask which body issued it and confirm that your country accepts that body.
- Export documents. Every shipment should come with a veterinary health certificate, a certificate of origin and an inspection report, as well as the Halal certificate.
- HS code. Frozen chicken cuts are HS 0207.14 and whole birds are 0207.12. See our guide to frozen chicken HS codes.
- Specification in writing. Cut, trim, piece size, glazing, packing and carton weight should be in the proforma invoice.
- Loading photos and video. Ask to see your cartons being loaded and the container temperature before the container is sealed.
Frozen chicken from China with Jufangzhai
Jufangzhai has exported Halal frozen poultry from Kunshan, China, since 2013. We supply frozen chicken breast, butterfly breast, thigh meat, wings, leg quarters, drumsticks and whole birds from 800 g to 1,800 g, as well as frozen duck and offal and by-products.
We source from certified plants in Shandong, Northeast China and Fujian, chosen to match your country's import rules. Every container ships with a Halal certificate, veterinary health certificate, certificate of origin and inspection report, and we send you photos and video of your cartons being loaded before the container is sealed. Cartons are 2 kg x 6 or 1 kg x 10, or packed with your own brand.
Our minimum order is one 40ft refrigerated container (27 tons), quoted CIF, CFR or FOB, with payment by T/T. Central Asia is 7 to 10 days by rail, and the Middle East and Africa are served by sea from Qingdao and Dalian. Send your product list through the contact form or on WhatsApp for a quotation.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer? Ask us on WhatsApp
Yes, if your country allows poultry from China and the shipment meets its import rules. The producing plant usually needs approval for your country, and the shipment needs a veterinary health certificate, certificate of origin and, for Muslim markets, a Halal certificate from a body your country accepts.
Chinese poultry production has grown faster than domestic demand, so exporters are selling abroad at competitive prices. Trade press reports Chinese breast and leg cuts typically 10% to 20% below comparable Brazilian products, but every quote follows the market at the time of order.
According to the USDA, China exported 546,000 tonnes of chicken meat in the first five months of 2026, about 51% more than in the same period of 2025. Chicken breast was more than half of exports in the first quarter.
It can be. Many Chinese plants hold Halal certification. Ask your supplier which body issued the certificate and check that your country accepts it. Jufangzhai supplies from Halal-certified plants and sends the Halal certificate with every shipment.
No. In October 2026, restrictions were mostly limited to poultry from the state of Santa Catarina, while Mexico suspended poultry from all of Brazil. Rules can change quickly, so check the current status with your own country's veterinary authority.
To Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, about 7 to 10 days by China-Europe rail. To the Middle East and Africa, by refrigerated container ship from Qingdao or Dalian.
Related pages
Request a quote
Minimum order 1 x 40ft container (27 tons). CIF, CFR and FOB quotes. Payment by T/T.