Brazil’s Poultry Industry: A Record-Breaking Year in 2025

As we reflect on 2025, Brazil’s poultry industry has achieved a record-setting performance, solidifying its status as a key player in global chicken production and trade. The outlook for 2026 appears optimistic, driven by several favorable factors.

Export Momentum Fuels Growth

In 2025, Brazilian poultry exports surged to historic highs, with shipment volumes and revenues surpassing previous records. This growth was largely propelled by global buyers’ reliance on Brazil as a consistent supplier, particularly amidst reduced production in other regions affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Strong demand from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America supported Brazilian exporters throughout the year, further cementing long-term trade relationships.

Competitive Feed Costs Boost Margins

Another significant factor in Brazil’s poultry success in 2025 was the relatively low pricing of feed, particularly corn and soybean meal. This favorable pricing improved producer margins and enhanced purchasing power, enabling integrators to tactfully balance expansion with profitability.

Brazil’s competitive edge in feed costs differentiates it from numerous poultry-producing regions grappling with tighter grain supplies and increased input volatility.

Supply Discipline Ensures Market Stability

While production levels increased, the industry maintained a disciplined approach to expansion, effectively avoiding a scenario of aggressive oversupply that could destabilize live bird prices. This discipline has supported processors’ margins throughout much of the year.

Moreover, a global protein shortage—stemming from diminished beef supplies and ongoing poultry health challenges in other markets—has kept international demand for Brazilian poultry robust.

Prospects for 2026

As we step into 2026, Brazil’s poultry sector is buoyed by momentum yet remains cautious. With strong export demand persisting, close monitoring of feed markets is essential, especially given the ongoing fluctuations in global disease dynamics that can influence trade flows.

Nonetheless, Brazil’s capability to deliver consistent volumes, competitive prices, and reliable supply positions the poultry sector favorably within an increasingly constrained global protein market.

Bottom Line: Brazil exits 2025 in a strong position featuring record exports, supportive cost structures, and a global demand landscape that could present continued opportunities in 2026.