Brazil’s chicken exports rise amid global Avian Influenza outbreaks
BRAZIL – Brazil’s chicken exports for 2025 are on track to surpass earlier projections due to ongoing avian influenza outbreaks affecting key competitors and importing nations.
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) had initially estimated that chicken exports would reach 5.4 million tons this year, marking a 1.9% increase from 2024.
However, strong sales at the beginning of the year suggest that this forecast may need to be revised upward, according to ABPA president Ricardo Santin.
He noted that while the original projection was already at the upper end of expectations, the association is monitoring monthly data before making an official adjustment.
More than 34 countries have reported avian influenza cases since January 1, according to the World Organization for Animal Health, a situation that has disrupted poultry production and trade.
The United States, Brazil’s biggest competitor in chicken exports, currently has over 60 active outbreaks. The United Kingdom has recorded 64, while Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands are facing 76, 40, and 36 outbreaks, respectively.
Brazil has not experienced an avian influenza outbreak in any commercial poultry farm, giving it an advantage in global markets where disease-free status is crucial for trade.
Additionally, in January, Brazil’s chicken exports increased by nearly 10%, driven by stronger demand from China, the European Union, and the Philippines.
Higher shipment volumes resulted in a 20.9% rise in export revenue, reaching approximately US$1 billion.
ABPA indicated that February’s exports are expected to maintain this momentum, with preliminary data showing that shipments may exceed 450,000 tons.
Santin explained that the first half of the year is typically slower for exports, but the strong start could lead to higher monthly sales figures by the end of 2025.
This comes as Brazil exported 5.294 million tonnes of chicken in 2024, marking the highest volume ever recorded by the sector.
Export revenues for the year also set a new record, reaching US$9.928 billion between January and December, a 1.3% increase from the US$9.796 billion earned in 2023.
Additionally, Brazil’s poultry meat production reached 14.9 billion kilograms in 2023, an increase from 14.5 billion kilograms the previous year, with projections indicating it would rise to 15.1 billion kilograms within the same year.
By 2033, per capita poultry consumption in the country is expected to exceed 31 kilograms.
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