The rules of the international poultry industry are known more for their uneven application than for their ability to facilitate fair and equitable conditions for all players. The Caribbean Poultry Industry is consequently disadvantaged by the policy framework which exists in the international poultry industry.

The factors that militate against both free and fair trade practices include but are not limited to several important features of the global industry.

• In the short to medium term, projections are for strong growth in production but slower growth in trade. However, only  a few countries account for most of trade
• This concentration of trade in a few markets makes the global industry very susceptible to economic shocks in any of these importer / exporter countries.
• Global markets are segmented based on different consumer preferences and purchasing power. The bulk of the international trade is in poultry cuts sold below the cost of production of a whole bird. This poses a substantial threat to industries with different consumer preferences and cost structures.
• Most countries consider the industry to be a strategic and sensitive agro industry contributing to rural development and food security. As a result, most Governments apply policy measures in the areas of Market Access & Tariffs, Regional Trading Agreements, Domestic Support & Export Competition and SPS/TBT Measures.

  This is especially so in the most developed countries, which treat the industry as sensitive and strategic. This serves in large measure to create an uneven playing field.