Brazil sets new poultry, egg export records in 2025

BRAZIL – Brazil closed 2025 with record volumes of chicken meat and egg exports, according to survey data from the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein, reflecting a year in which overseas demand remained firm even as the poultry sector navigated disease-related disruptions.

Over the full 12 months, Brazil shipped more than 5.32 million metric tons of poultry meat, representing a marginal increase of 0.6% compared with 2024 and establishing the highest annual export volume ever recorded by the country.

While shipment volumes edged upward, export earnings from poultry meat declined slightly, with total revenue easing to about US$9.79 billion (US$9.79 billion) over the year, compared with the previous 12-month period.

The United Arab Emirates retained its position as the largest destination for Brazilian poultry meat, importing close to 480,000 metric tons in 2025, which marked a 5.5% rise from the year before.

Japan followed as a key market despite a 9% reduction in volumes to around 403,000 metric tons, after which Saudi Arabia imported approximately 397,000 metric tons, South Africa 336,000 metric tons, and the Philippines 264,000 metric tons, all three posting year-on-year growth.

December export performance played a decisive role in shaping the annual outcome, as poultry meat shipments during the month rose nearly 14% from a year earlier to about 510,800 metric tons.

The value of December poultry exports reached roughly US$948 million (US$948 million), reflecting an increase of close to 11% compared with the same month in 2024.

According to ABPA president Ricardo Santin, export flows were briefly affected by Brazil’s first confirmed outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry in May, after which no additional cases were detected and trade restrictions were gradually lifted.

Santin said shipments to the European Union climbed by 52% in December, while China resumed purchases quickly, importing about 21,200 metric tons within a short timeframe following the reopening of the market.

Egg exports expand sharply

Brazil’s egg exports also reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with shipments totaling just under 41,000 metric tons, more than doubling the volume recorded in the previous year.

Revenue from egg and egg product exports rose even faster, increasing by 148% to approximately US$97.2 million (US$97.2 million), according to ABPA figures.

The United States emerged as the largest buyer, importing around 19,600 metric tons, more than eight times its 2024 volume, although shipments slowed later in the year after tariffs were introduced.

Japan imported about 5,400 metric tons, Mexico received close to 3,200 metric tons, and additional volumes were shipped to Chile and the United Arab Emirates, contributing to exports exceeding 1% of Brazil’s total egg production for the first time.

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