World broiler production this year in major countries is estimated to be 78,283,000 metric tons, 3.0 percent higher than the 75,991,000 tons in 2010, according to the Livestock and Poultry: World Markets and Trade report issued by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) last week. Broiler production for the United States is estimated for 2011 at 16,792,000 tons, making the United States the global leader in broiler production with 21.4 percent of the world total.

Broiler Meat Production in Selected Countries, 2007 to Estimated 2011
 Country  2007   2008   2009   2010   2011 
  1,000 metric tons (ready-to-cook equivalent)
 China  11,291   11,840   12,100   12,550   13,200 
 Brazil  10,305   11,033   11,023   12,312   12,925 
 European Union (27 Countries)  8,320   8,594   8,756   9,095   9,185 
 Mexico  2,683   2,853   2,781   2,809   2,850 
 India  2,240   2,490   2,550   2,650   2,700 
 Russia  1,410   1,680   2,060   2,310   2,520 
 Argentina  1,320   1,430   1,500   1,600   1,750 
 Iran  1,423   1,450   1,525   1,600   1,650 
 Thailand  1,050   1,170   1,200   1,280   1,380 
 South Africa  1,159   1,240   1,250   1,290   1,300 
 Other Countries  11,098   11,377   11,613   11,932   12,031 
  Total Foreign  52,299   55,157   56,358   59,428   61,491 
 United States  16,226   16,561   15,935   16,563   16,792 
  Total  68,525   71,718   72,293   75,991   78,283 

China with an estimated 13,200,000 tons is second largest broiler producer followed by Brazil with 12,925,000 tons.  All major and combined “other countries” are expected to increase production in 2011.  FAS reported that strong demand in China for meat has stimulated broiler production, enabling producers to raise prices which has helped offset higher feed costs.  Brazilian broiler production is being spurred by growing disposable income, high beef prices, and strong exports, the report noted.