Brazil chicken exports rise 5.3% in February as revenue climbs 8.6%

BRAZIL – Brazil’s chicken meat exports reached 493,200 tons in February, marking a 5.3% increase from the 468,400 tons recorded in the same month last year, according to industry data.

This performance represents the highest export volume ever registered for February, continuing a steady upward trend in shipments.

Revenue from these exports also set a new February record, totalling US$945.4 million, up from US$870.4 million in the same period the previous year, a 8.6% increase.

Taken together, the figures indicate stronger earnings growth than volume expansion, suggesting improved pricing or a product mix in international markets.

China returns as leading buyer

Cumulative exports for the first two months of the year reached 952,300 tons, which is 4.5% higher than the 911,400 tons shipped during the same period last year.

In value terms, year-to-date revenue climbed to US$1.819 billion, up 7.2% from US$1.696 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

China resumed its position as the largest buyer of Brazilian chicken in February, importing 49,400 tons, a slight 0.4% decline from the same month last year.

The United Arab Emirates followed with 44,000 tons, a 13.4% increase, while Japan imported 38,200 tons, a 38% increase.

Shipments to Saudi Arabia reached 33,800 tons, up 7.3%, while South Africa recorded 31,300 tons, reflecting a 27.6% increase.

Exports to the European Union totalled 30,100 tons, rising 46.3%, with the Philippines close behind at 30,000 tons, up 29.2%.

Other destinations included South Korea with 18,500 tons, Mexico with 15,800 tons, representing a 24.3% decline, and Singapore with 15,400 tons, which grew by 20.1%.

Industry representatives indicated that trade flows to China and the European Union have returned to previous levels following disruptions linked to an avian influenza case reported in Brazil in May last year.

Regional performance and new market access

At the state level, Paraná remained the leading exporter with 211,000 tons, reflecting a 13.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

Santa Catarina followed with 104,600 tons, showing a 1.9% decline, while Rio Grande do Sul exported 61,100 tons, down 12.47%.

São Paulo recorded exports of 28,800 tons, up 6.4%, and Goiás shipped 24,500 tons, representing a 19.36% increase.

Separately, Brazil secured access to the Solomon Islands market for chicken exports, adding a new destination for the sector.

The island nation, which relies heavily on imported food, has seen domestic chicken supply rise from about 2,000 tons in 2010 to around 4,000 tons, while imports reached approximately US$10.8 million in 2024.

Officials said the new market could provide an additional outlet for Brazilian poultry as demand for animal protein continues to grow in import-dependent regions.

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