United Arab Emirates leads purchases and boosts Brazilian chicken exports.

The United Arab Emirates was the main destination for exports of processed and fresh chicken meat from Brazil in January. According to data for the period released last Friday (06) by the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA), the Gulf country imported 44,300 tons in the first month of the year, up 14% compared to the same period in 2025.

South Africa was the second largest destination, importing 36,800 tons, an increase of 341% of the national average, and Saudi Arabia was third, with purchases reaching 33,500 tons (+51% of the national average). China, Japan, the European Union, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Chile complete the ranking of the ten largest importers of chicken meat in January, a period in which total shipments rose 3.61% of the national average, reaching 459,000 tons, a record for the period.

In a statement from ABPA, the institution's president, Ricardo Santin, observed that the record performance during a period of reduced demand, as is the case in January, indicates "optimistic" prospects for exports throughout this year. "This indicates sustained growth in several importing markets, especially in the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, the countries of the European Union, and certain Asian markets with significant demand," he stated.

The main states exporting chicken meat were Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo, and Goiás.