Duck prices rise amid supply shortage

Описание: The price of duck meat is going up, amid a supply shortage driven by COVID. Last year, duck farmers scaled back production as demand diminished in the food and drink sector. But now that demand has returned, there isn’t enough duck to go around. According to a waterfowl association, the shortage may last until the end of the year.

Glistening roast duck is sliced to perfection and laid out on a plate. Here in Central Taiwan, consumers now pay up to NT$300 for half a duck, thanks to a supply shortage.

Taichung roast duck vendor
There isn’t enough production. There is a shortage in the market, so prices have gone up.

The duck shortage has also affected Cantonese barbecue restaurants and eateries offering traditional angelica duck.

Cantonese restaurant owner
Ducks aren’t laying eggs, so there aren’t enough ducks. Since late last year, duck prices have gone up by 25%. It’s very hard for us to stay in business. You can’t have a Cantonese barbecue restaurant without duck.

Lai Wu-long
Angelica roast duck vendor
The price of one duck has gone up by NT$10, by NT$15. It’s just kept rising. Prices are up by 40% now.

The vendor says duck prices have gone from NT$95 per kilogram to NT$130.

So why the shortage? Here at this production site in Yunlin, a duck farmer says the hatch rate has been poor. In addition, the farm had previously scaled back production when COVID dampened demand. Now that demand is up again, there isn’t enough duck for the market.

Chung Tai-chuan
Yunlin duck farmer
There are fewer duck eggs, so every farm is short on output. The shortage is quite severe. Ducks can’t really cope with big temperature swings.

Wu Hsiang-pin
Waterfowl association head
Demand has exceeded supply. We aren’t raising enough ducks to sell. The shortage might last until the end of the year.

Although duck is still widely available, the imbalance in supply and demand will send prices climbing for the near future.