In 2008, China reportedly imported 4% more fresh and frozen poultry meat, with import demand particularly high in the second and third quarters, driven by increased trade arising from the summer Olympics. The United States (U.S.) maintained its position as primary supplier, increasing its market share to 73%, up seven percentage points on 2007. Supplies from Argentina were also higher as it capitalized on the absence of Brazilian product.
Frozen chicken cuts accounted for 95% of all the fresh and frozen poultry meat imported in 2008, of which 57% was in the form of chicken feet, says the European Market Survey.