EN 
PT_BR 
Brazilian chicken is temporarily off the menu in 10 major international markets. The reaction came after the confirmation of the first outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on a commercial farm in the municipality of Montenegro, in Rio Grande do Sul. The episode led countries such as China, the European Union, Mexico and South Korea to suspend purchases of Brazilian products, a measure that could represent a loss of more than R$1 billion per month for the production sector.
Data from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services show that, in April alone, the nine countries that adopted a total suspension imported more than US$15T 280 million worth of Brazilian chicken meat. Japan, in turn, opted for a localized suspension, maintaining restrictions only on cargo from the city in Rio Grande do Sul where the outbreak was recorded.
See the performance of chicken meat exports in April to the now blocked markets:
- China – US$127.1 million
- Mexico – US$1.5T44 million
- European Union – US$ 35.3 million
- South Korea – US$1.5T 33.3 million
- Chile – US$1.5T 18 million
- South Africa – US$15.3 million
- Argentina – US$1.5T5.4 million
- Canada – US$1.5T4 million
- Uruguay – US$ 324.8 thousand
diplomatic effort
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) has already started talks with importing countries to demonstrate that the case was isolated and is being treated in accordance with health protocols. The ministry believes that, based on Brazil's health history and the containment measures adopted, the suspensions can be reversed within 60 days.
Even with the expectation of resumption, the suspension directly affects one of the main pillars of the national agribusiness. China alone accounted for 13% of Brazilian chicken meat exports between January and April 2025, with 192 thousand tons shipped and revenue of US$ 455 million in the period.
