Crisis in the Duck Industry: The Invasion of Chinese Smoked Duck
2026.09.28Crisis in the Duck Industry: The Invasion of Chinese Smoked Duck
Exploiting the production gap caused by the "Winter Rest Period" (Avian Influenza prevention) and significant price differences, Chinese smoked duck is rapidly encroaching on the market, pushing the domestic duck industry to the brink of collapse.
I. Surge in Chinese Smoked Duck Imports
Unit: Tons (Rounded)
Annual Import Quarantine Volume (2021~Aug 2026)
Cumulative Import Share by Item (Out of 60,411 tons)*
Smoked Duck 96.84% (58,499 tons)
Smoked Duck 58,499 tons (96.84%)
Other Processed/Seasoned 1,912 tons (3.16%)
Per Capita Duck Meat Consumption (KREI Data)
Unit: kg
1.8
2.4
2.0
2.3
2.85
2.92
'17
'19
'21
'23
'25(p)
'26(est)
* The Consumption Paradox: While per capita consumption hit an all-time high of 2.85kg in 2025 (up 42.5% from 2.0kg in 2021), the core of this expanded market (finished smoked products) is being absorbed by Chinese imports.
Key Statistical Analysis
2021 ~ Aug 2026
- 100% of imported processed duck in Korea originates from China, with an overwhelming 96.84% concentrated in smoked duck, dwarfing seasoned meat (0.15%) and other processed goods (3.02%).
- A 3.05x Surge Over 4 Years: Showing a steep penetration trend, imports skyrocketed from 4,748 tons in 2021 to 14,485 tons in 2025.
- On Track for a New Record in 2026: With 9,809 tons recorded in just 8 months (a monthly average of 1,226 tons), the annualized figure points to a historic high of approximately 14,714 tons.
II. Plunging Self-Sufficiency & Supply Gaps
Stagnation of the Domestic Base
Pre-2020
Self-Sufficiency at 96~98%
A period of stable self-reliance centered on domestic farming and slaughtering infrastructure. According to KREI, domestic production reached 130,000–140,000 tons, while imports were minimal at 3,000–5,000 tons.
2021 ~ 2022
Decline Begins (Supply Shock)
The introduction of the 'Winter Rest Period' (breeding restrictions) for Avian Influenza (AI) prevention caused production to plummet to 101,000 tons in 2021. Exploiting this gap, imports jumped to 7,300 tons in 2022, marking the start of serious market penetration.
2023 ~ Present
Actual Rate Drops to Mid-80s
Imports surpassed 15,000 tons. KREI indicators show the self-sufficiency rate broke below the 90% threshold to 89.7% (carcass basis). When converted to boneless processed meat, the actual rate plummets to the mid-80s. Crucially, the retail smoked duck market is now 46.7% encroached by imports.
III. Three Structural Threats to the Industry
Ecosystem Risks
1. Market Encroachment: Dominating Retail
Market Risk
In the smoked duck product category, which enjoys the highest consumer preference in Korea, the import share has reached 46.7%, swallowing nearly half the market. These products are being supplied en masse to restaurants, institutional catering, delivery franchises, and major online marketplaces.
2. Farm Crisis & Deceptive Origin Labeling
Farming Risk
While domestic farms are forced to halt breeding for AI prevention during winter, cheap Chinese imports fill the void, creating a vicious cycle that halves the domestic production base. Furthermore, a Consumer Public Interest Network investigation revealed that 75% of imported products deceptively hide the country of origin in small print on the back, and there are frequent crackdowns on false labeling (disguising imports as domestic) in the catering and restaurant sectors.
3. Quarantine Emergency: HPAI Virus Detection
Quarantine Risk
Safety controversies persist as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) viral genes have been repeatedly detected during the import quarantine of Chinese smoked duck, leading to the disposal or return of dozens of tons. Producer organizations, including the Korea Duck Association, are strongly urging a total ban on Chinese imports and comprehensive precision testing to defend national borders against the disease.
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