Sep 17, 2025
New agreement on regionalisation ends year-long export ban
Poland and China have signed a significant agreement allowing the resumption of Polish poultry exports to the Chinese market. This development follows a year-long ban due to an outbreak of avian influenza in Poland.
Background
The agreement, signed by Poland's Minister of Agriculture, Stefan Krajewski, and Zhao Zenglian, Vice Minister of China's General Administration of Customs, introduces the concept of regionalisation for poultry exports. This means that only regions affected by avian influenza outbreaks will be restricted from exporting, rather than the entire country. This approach is expected to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks on the poultry trade.
Implications for the Market
The re-opening of the Chinese market is a crucial development for Poland, the largest poultry producer in the European Union, which accounts for over 20% of the EU's poultry production. Before the ban in 2020, Poland exported approximately €55 million worth of poultry to China. The new agreement is expected to restore and potentially increase this trade volume, providing significant growth opportunities for the Polish poultry sector.
Tomasz Parzybut, President of the Polish Association of Butchers and Meat Producers, highlighted the importance of this agreement, noting that China is a key export market for Polish agri-food products. He emphasised that the Polish poultry industry is well-organised and exports globally, but the Chinese market remains particularly valuable due to its demand for less commonly consumed poultry parts in Europe.
Conclusion
The resumption of poultry exports to China is not only a significant achievement for Polish agriculture but also a testament to the successful negotiations between the two countries. With the implementation of regionalisation, Poland can better manage its poultry exports and strengthen its position in the global market.