On April 22, 2026, Chinese frozen chicken and pork spot prices held steady, with chicken paws at 21.5–22.5 RMB/kg and pork front leg bones at 14.0–15.0 RMB/kg, according to DW28's market intelligence. This flat pricing, amid a typical post-Labor Day lull, offers a rare window for overseas buyers to lock in cost-effective procurement.
Stable prices, stable demand — what it means for importers
The April 22 data shows no significant movement across key cuts: chicken wings (30–32 RMB/kg), chicken frames (5.0–6.0 RMB/kg), and pork belly (22.0–23.0 RMB/kg). For B2B importers supplying Chinese restaurants and supermarkets overseas, this stability signals that Chinese domestic demand is balanced — not overheated, not collapsing. It means you can plan container loads without fear of sudden price spikes or inventory write-downs. Consider using mixed-container shipping to combine high-margin items like chicken paws with lower-cost pork bones, optimizing freight costs.
Regional nuances for overseas buyers
While national averages are flat, regional variations persist. Guangdong live-pig prices hit 5.1 RMB/jin on April 22, reflecting southern China's tighter supply. For importers targeting Southeast Asian Chinese restaurant chains, this suggests pork primal cuts from northern China (e.g., Shandong) may offer better value. Meanwhile, chicken paws — a staple in dim sum and braised dishes — remain competitively priced, making now a smart time to negotiate long-term contracts with Chinese processors.
DW28's strategic takeaway
For overseas food importers, the current flat market is a gift. Use it to build inventory ahead of Q3 demand spikes (e.g., Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese New Year prep). Focus on market-procurement consolidation — combine orders from multiple small buyers to fill a container, reducing per-unit logistics costs. Avoid overcommitting to volatile cuts like pork belly; instead, lock in stable items like chicken frames and pork bones, which have consistent demand from Chinese hot pot and soup restaurants abroad.