China has officially lifted its ban on Brazilian poultry imports, marking a major win for the global poultry trade and solidifying Brazil’s position as the world’s leading chicken exporter. The embargo was imposed in May 2024 following a confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial farm in Rio Grande do Sul.
Although Brazil declared itself free of avian influenza in early June, China maintained restrictions for several months as precautionary sanitary measures.
Decision Based on Risk Evaluation
According to China’s General Administration of Customs (CGAC), the decision to resume imports took effect immediately and followed an in-depth risk assessment and inspection audit conducted by Chinese sanitary authorities in September.
The visiting Chinese delegation evaluated Brazil’s federal inspection systems, biosecurity controls, and outbreak response mechanisms before giving approval to resume trade.
Export Performance Despite Suspension
China remains Brazil’s largest poultry market. In 2024 alone, China imported 353,400 tonnes of Brazilian chicken—worth US $786.9 million.
Before the outbreak, shipments were already strong. Between January and May, exports reached 228,000 tonnes, generating US $547 million.
Despite the temporary embargo, Brazil’s overall poultry exports from January to October totaled 4.378 million tonnes, showing nearly no decline—only 0.1% lower compared to the same period last year.
Brazil Strengthening Global Food Security Identity
Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, described the reopening as proof of the country’s strong sanitary standards and reliable food supply chain.
“Brazil has become a safe food supplier in terms of quality, delivery reliability, competitive pricing and sanitary conditions. The reopening of markets after the avian influenza case reinforces this position.”
Industry Reaction: A Diplomatic Success
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) called the development a result of strategic, coordinated negotiations between government authorities and the private sector.
ABPA President Ricardo Santin acknowledged that new sanitary certifications were renegotiated to prevent future blanket restrictions in case of localized outbreaks.
“This was a highly professional and diplomatic effort. The reopening of China crowns the success of a coordinated action led by Minister Fávaro and his team.”
European Union Also Reopens Market
China’s move follows a similar announcement by the European Union, meaning all major poultry-importing regions have now restored Brazilian market access.
The reopening highlights the effectiveness of Brazil’s avian influenza control strategy, backed by World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) certification.
Why This Matters
✔ Strengthens global poultry supply chain
✔ Stabilizes international pricing and trade confidence
✔ Reinforces Brazil as a resilient and compliant exporter
With trade routes restored, industry analysts expect gradual normalization of poultry flow and potentially more competitive export pricing in the coming months.