WASHINGTON — September marks National Chicken Month, celebrating the most consumed protein in the United States. In honor of the occasion, the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) released an update on the US poultry industry and exports.

The United States is the second largest exporter of chicken, with over 145 countries importing US frozen chicken leg quarters, legs and thighs in 2022. Last year, US chicken exports to foreign markets generated $4.4 billion and accounted for 16% of global production.

Even with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), chicken exports remained strong, declining only 1% by volume and jumping 22% by value in 2022.

“The impact of HPAI on exports in 2022 was a marked improvement from the devasting impact the outbreaks of HPAI had on trade in 2015,” FAS said. “Through diligent negotiations with trading partners, USDA has retained, and re-opened markets constrained on HPAI-related restrictions.”

Popular with foreign markets were dark meat products, which helped balance the United State’s strong appetite for white meat.

Nearly all of US broiler meat exports in 2022 were destined for developing economies, and 14% of shipments were exported to least developed countries.

A significant achievement last year was USDA’s negotiations with Egypt to expand the market to frozen poultry parts. The first shipments were valued at $800,000.

FAS anticipates US chicken exports will increase by 3% in 2024, which is possible by recent increased production.

“Angola, Canada, China, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, the Philippines, and Taiwan are among the top markets, and USDA is committed to working with the US poultry industry to ensure unhindered market access and continued success for America’s hardworking poultry producers,” FAS said.