The European Union has reinstated imports of chicken meat from Brazil, officially lifting a four-month suspension that began following the detection of avian influenza in May 2024. Now, Brazil is keen to secure similar authorizations from China.
This decision was formalized in the Official Journal of the European Union and confirmed by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply (Mapa).
Prior to the suspension, Brazil exported 125,300 tonnes of chicken to the EU between January and May, a 20.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, generating USD 386.3 million — a staggering 38% rise year-on-year.
Official Recognition & Recovery
Brazil declared itself free from avian influenza on June 18 by completing the mandated sanitary fallow period, during which facilities are cleaned and disinfected. European authorities recognized this status on September 4, just weeks later.
“Brazil regained sanitary status in merely 28 days, bolstering its international credibility and reaffirming its position as the world’s top chicken meat exporter,” read a note from Mapa.
Phased Export Resumption
Mapa indicated that the exportation of chicken products will resume in phases. As of September 18, all regions of Brazil, except for Rio Grande do Sul, are authorized for exports. The state affected by the initial outbreak will be permitted to resume shipments on October 2, with some restrictions in areas near the epicenter of the outbreak.
Chinese Market Assessment
While the EU and 16 other countries, including Japan and Iraq, have lifted their restrictions on Brazilian chicken, China remains a significant market that has yet to follow suit. In 2024, Chinese imports of Brazilian poultry totaled 353,400 tonnes, amounting to USD 786.9 million in revenue.
A Chinese audit mission is currently in Brazil to evaluate the country’s sanitary measures, which is critical for the reopening of its market. Chinese inspectors are assessing laboratories, farms, and slaughterhouses, focusing on protocols implemented since the avian influenza incident.
Future Prospects in the Industry
With the reopening of the European market, the Brazilian Poultry Association (ABPA) anticipates a return to previous export levels and potentially even growth, driven by pent-up demand.
In 2024, Brazil achieved a remarkable export milestone of 5.294 million tonnes of chicken meat, with revenue reaching an all-time high of USD 9.928 billion, reflecting a 1.3% increase from the previous year.
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