Brazil bird flu outbreak: World's largest chicken exporter faces suspension from Europe, China, other countries

An outbreak of bird flu in Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, prompted countries to implement trade restrictions in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus after the first case was confirmed on a commercial farm in May. Brazil declared itself free of the virus in commercial flocks after 28 days without any new outbreaks on commercial farms, and dozens of importers have now reversed their bans.

The following is a list from Brazil's Agriculture Ministry of countries maintaining their bans as of August 25:

SUSPENSIONS TARGETING ALL POULTRY FROM BRAZIL


China, the European Union, Canada, Malaysia, East Timor, and Pakistan.

SUSPENSIONS TARGETING RIO GRANDE DO SUL STATE

Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Ukraine.

SUSPENSIONS TARGETING SPECIFIC REGIONS

Japan, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname and Uzbekistan.

Brazilian chicken exports are expected to fall as much as 2 per cent to 5.2 million metric tons this year, meat lobby ABPA said on Wednesday, citing the impact of trade embargoes by large importers following a local outbreak of bird flu in May.

Brazil, the world's largest exporter, reported its first ever bird flu outbreak in a chicken breeding farm in the south.

Brazilian total egg exports, including fresh and processed products, rose almost 305% to 5,259 metric tons in July, reflecting strong demand from the United States after its bird flu outbreak, according to data compiled by industry group ABPA on Monday. The U.S. turned to Brazil after bird flu reduced domestic egg supplies, raising prices and inflation. However, President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, including eggs, on August 6.

In the first seven months of 2025, the U.S. was the main destination for Brazilian egg exports, with 18,976 tons shipped there in the period, representing a 1,419% rise and almost $41 million in sales, ABPA said.

FAQs

Q1. Which countries have restricted chicken import from Brazil?
A1. China, the European Union, Canada, Malaysia, East Timor, Pakistan, Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Japan, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname and Uzbekistan.

Q2. What do we know about Brazil's chicken export?
A2. Brazil is the world's largest chicken exporter.