China recently lifted its ban on chicken imports from Brazil, rekindling optimism in the sector and paving the way for a record-breaking Brazilian export volume in 2025. The Chinese government's decision reversed restrictions imposed after an isolated case of avian flu and marks the resumption of one of the most important markets for Brazilian chicken.<\/p>\n
Brazil is the world's largest exporter of chicken meat, with sales to 151 countries, and China remains the main destination for this protein. GTF, one of the six largest chicken producers in Brazil and among the country's top ten exporters, sees the reopening of the Chinese market as an important boost to its international shipments.<\/p>\n
In 2024, GTF sold 35,000 tons of chicken meat to the Asian market, representing 45% of its exports, with 61% destined for China, a country that contributes significantly to the performance of Brazilian exports in the sector. Before the temporary suspension, the company's shipments to the country were already growing strongly, driven by the confidence of international buyers in the quality and food safety of the brand's products.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe lifting of the ban and the reopening of exports represent an important milestone for us. We maintain a solid commercial relationship with the Asian market, with China being one of our most strategic destinations, responsible for almost 27% of our exports. With this resumption, we reinforce GTF's commitment to excellence, sustainability, and the most rigorous sanitary standards required globally,\u201d says Rafael Tortola, CEO of GTF.<\/p>\n
With over 562,000 tons consumed, China leads the world ranking, according to GTF data, with 562,207 tons and a 10.9% share of global consumption, followed by the United Arab Emirates, with 455,121 tons (9%), and Japan, with 443,201 tons (8.6%). These three countries are among the main destinations for Brazilian chicken meat, followed by Saudi Arabia (7.2%) and South Africa (6.3%).<\/p>\n
The reopening of the Chinese market is a strategic milestone for Brazilian chicken exports. With China leading in consumption and accounting for a significant portion of our sales, this decision reinforces the confidence of international markets in the quality and safety of our products. In 2024, GTF had a remarkable performance, with approximately 28% of our exports destined for China. For 2026, our expectations are even more ambitious, with a significant increase in exports, around 10%, including Asian markets, and the continued strengthening of our global presence.<\/p>\n
Chicken consumption around the world<\/h4>\n
Present in the main global markets, GTF exports cuts according to the consumption preferences of each region. In Asia, the most demanded products are whole wings, wing mid-sections, thighs and drumsticks (with and without bone), cartilage, and chicken feet. In Africa, thighs and drumsticks, MDM (mechanically separated meat), breast, and chicken feet stand out. The Middle East prefers thighs, drumsticks, gizzards, livers, and breast; in Europe, breast is the most sought-after cut; and in the Americas, there is demand for thighs and drumsticks (with and without bone), whole wings, wing tips, breast, and chicken feet. In Brazil, consumption is also diversified, but there are no cuts sold exclusively in the domestic market.<\/p>\n
\u201cCultural differences are also reflected in the most valued parts of each region. Chicken feet, for example, are widely consumed in emerging countries, but in China they are considered a high-value delicacy. Meanwhile, breast and knee cartilage, often discarded in other markets, are prized in China and Japan, where there is an emphasis on the full utilization of the protein,\u201d added Kendi Okumura, export manager at GTF.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n