Chicken production in Russia has declined for the first time in five years
Russia has recorded a decline in chicken meat production for the first time in the past five years. According to Rosstat, in January–May 2026, poultry farms produced 2.76 million metric tons of poultry for slaughter in live weight, which is 2.1% less than during the same period last year.
At the same time, in May, the rate of decline in production accelerated to 4% year-over-year.
The last time a similar decline was observed was in early 2021, when production suffered due to the suspension of imports of hatching eggs. However, the industry recovered quickly at that time and ended the year with growth.
Chicken remains the most affordable type of meat for most Russians, which is why it is often called “the poor man’s meat.”
Experts attribute the current decline to a drop in profitability at poultry farms.
Among the main reasons are:
- an increase in the tax burden;
- rising feed costs;
- rising transportation costs;
- rising costs of production resources;
- tighter regulatory requirements.
At the same time, according to data from the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, wholesale prices for chicken have fallen by 1% since the beginning of the year, while retail prices have risen by only 3.8% over the past year, which is below the inflation rate.
However, the AD Libitum agency reported in late June that the wholesale price of a broiler carcass had risen by 20% year-over-year—to 218 rubles per kilogram—marking the highest level since the beginning of 2024.
The rise in chicken prices has already affected the pork market.
According to AD Libitum, from June 22 to 28, the price of live market hogs increased by 4%—to 121 rubles per kilogram.
This was due to meat processing plants increasingly using pork as an alternative to more expensive chicken, which boosted demand for this product.
Experts believe that the rise in wholesale prices could improve the financial situation of poultry farms and stimulate increased production.
At the same time, a rapid recovery of the industry is not expected, as producers remain dependent on feed costs, the veterinary situation, and high business financing costs.
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