In 2008 EU chicken production increased, fueled by rising export demand and internal consumption. However, the negative impact of the global financial crisis on meat consumption is expected to slow down broiler production growth to below 1 percent in 2009. In 2008, EU-27 chicken meat exports grew significantly (+ 16 percent), exceeding imports. Russia, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine remain the major customers for EU chicken meat. While EU exports are likely to be affected by the financial crisis, they may benefit from the slated 2009 Russian ban on PRTs. In 2008, EU-27 chicken meat consumption continued to grow despite rising prices due to higher feed costs. It is expected that consumption will continue to grow in 2009, albeit at a slower pace, as chicken meat is likely to partly replace more expensive red meat. (GAIN report E49020 - March 2009)