Brazil, the world’s largest exporter of chicken meat, has managed to boost poultry exports in 2025 despite a recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The outbreak, detected in May at a poultry farm in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, initially triggered trade suspensions from more than 30 countries, including major buyers such as China, the European Union, and several Latin American markets.
Swift containment measures helped limit the impact. Authorities implemented strict biosecurity protocols, culled around 17,000 birds at the affected farm, disinfected the premises, and monitored surrounding areas. Additional cases, such as those found in a Brasília zoo, were confirmed to pose no risk to commercial flocks.
By mid-July, Brazil had resumed shipments to several key destinations, including Peru, Jordan, and Hong Kong, after affected zones were declared free of the virus. Talks continue with other nations to lift the remaining restrictions, with a full return to normal trade conditions expected soon.
The poultry industry is vital to Brazil’s economy, with roughly 30% of production destined for export. In 2024, China alone imported more than 562,000 tons of Brazilian chicken. While temporary bans raised concerns, the swift rebound has restored market confidence in the country’s sanitary controls. Notably, the United States—grappling with its own severe HPAI challenges—kept its market open to Brazilian poultry, fueling an over 800% surge in Brazilian egg exports to the U.S. this year.
Brazil’s rapid recovery underscores the importance of decisive action, coordinated industry-government efforts, and strong export relationships in managing animal health crises. As the country works to reopen all markets, it reaffirms its standing as a resilient and reliable force in the global poultry trade.
