Poultry News for 3-18-10

January US chicken exports were 24% less than a year ago and the smallest for any month since December 2007. This is due in a large part to the ongoing trade challenges with Russia and China who, in the past, have been major importers of US chicken. Chicken exports during January to both Russia (64% and the smallest in over seven years) and China/Hong Kong (32%) were considerably less than 2009. The Russian dispute with US chicken could be resolved shortly however which would be encouraging for US chicken exports. The chicken breast markets have firmed as of late and history indicates that additional chicken breast price increases may be forthcoming in April. The wing markets could move lower next month.