Chicken Prices Surge in Mexico Amid US Avian Influenza Outbreak

The price of chicken in Mexico has increased sharply due to an ongoing avian influenza outbreak in the United States, which led to the death of millions of farm chickens and disrupted supply to the Mexican market. A decline in domestic production and a reliance on imports have further contributed to rising costs.

According to data from INEGI, the Consumer Price Index for chicken in the Monterrey metropolitan area rose by 18.8% annually in the first half of February. This marks the highest increase for any biweekly period since June 2021. Prices have been climbing for the past five months, with certain chicken cuts experiencing even steeper hikes.

INEGI’s price list shows that in January, bulk leg and thigh cuts rose by 48% year-over-year, reaching MX$47.2/kg (US$2.3). Whole chicken prices saw a 28.4% increase, averaging MX$45.9/kg. While February data is not yet available, PROFECO reported that whole chicken reached MX$49.9/kg in the last week of February, reflecting an 8.7% rise from the previous year. In some supermarkets, prices have climbed as high as MX$55/kg. Beef and pork prices have seen comparatively lower increases, according to official data.

Industry sources attribute the price surge to the continued impact of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) AH5N1 in the United States. The outbreak, which began affecting farms in February 2022, has resulted in the loss of approximately 160 million birds, significantly reducing production and export volumes.

With US poultry supplies constrained, Mexico has turned to Brazil to meet demand. However, the cost of Brazilian imports is higher due to increased demand and the appreciation of the US dollar, adding further pressure on prices. Since 2016, chicken imports have accounted for an average of 19.5% of Mexico’s poultry consumption, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Additionally, Mexico continues to export chicken to the United States, which affects domestic availability. However, the country’s egg production has remained stable, as Mexico is self-sufficient in that sector.