Global egg production continues to increase at an average of 3% per year

23 November 2022

The latest global data shows ongoing growth in egg production worldwide, with an average yearly increase of 3% over the past 10 years.

According to FAO data, egg production has steadily increased over the past two decades from around 51 million tonnes in 2000 to almost 87 million tonnes in 2020.

Production

IEC Economic Analyst, Peter Van Horne, highlights that, as in the previous ten years, China continues to be the largest producer in the world, dominating 34% of global production, with a figure of 29.8 million tonnes of eggs in 2020.

The second largest producer globally is the USA, followed by EU-27 and India, with these top four regions accounting for 56% of the world’s egg production.

However, Peter notes that although China is the largest producer, the most significant rate of production growth globally is seen in Asia (excluding China), where a 72% increase in production occurred from 2010-2020. He also highlights that South America have seen an increase in egg production of over 50% in the same period, making it the region with the second largest rate of production growth.

Throughout Europe, egg production remains stable, except for in Germany and France, where an increasing trend is seen over recent years, with both countries leading as top European producers in 2021.

Market balance 

In Europe, egg production continues to exceed consumption, with both consumption and production increasing from 2019-2021.

Imports have decreased from 2020 to 2021; Peter suggests this may be attributed to the effects of Covid-19 on the food industry sector.

Exports have remained relatively stable over the past three years, with a slight increase in total exports in 2021.

Import and export locations remain largely unchanged from year to year.

Consumption

The latest figures from the IEC database show that egg consumption in Europe remains stable. Denmark, however, continues to experience a gradual yearly increase, retaining its status as a top egg consumer in Europe.

For non-EU IEC member countries, consumption has also remained largely stable, with Mexico experiencing, what Peter describes as a “very striking” growth in consumption in 2021, reaching over 400 eggs/person/year, extending their lead as the top consumers worldwide.

Furthermore, Peter highlights that in India, there is “huge potential for an increase in egg consumption” as current figures remain at 78 eggs/person/year in 2021.