China has once again suspended poultry imports from Argentina, effective August 20, only months after lifting a restriction that had lasted two years. The move follows Argentina’s decision to temporarily halt its own poultry exports after a case of avian influenza was confirmed at a commercial farm in Buenos Aires province.
According to Argentina’s national animal health agency, exports can only resume after a 28-day waiting period that includes slaughter, cleaning, and disinfection, provided no new outbreaks occur in commercial flocks. The Chinese customs authority, which announced the suspension on its website, did not specify how long the restriction would remain in place.
China’s demand for poultry products such as chicken feet, wings, and bone-in cuts has traditionally made Argentina an important supplier. However, the immediate impact on pricing is expected to be minimal, as China currently faces an oversupply of poultry meat and industry-wide financial challenges.
From January to July, China imported just over 226,000 metric tons of poultry, a slight decline compared to the same period last year. Alongside the renewed suspension of Argentine shipments, Beijing has also restricted imports from Brazil since May and more recently from Spain, citing avian flu outbreaks in both countries.
