EU reopens market to Brazilian chicken
European Union lifts bird flu ban on Brazil’s poultry exports
EUROPE – The European Union is resuming imports of Brazilian chicken after suspending trade in May due to a bird flu outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul, according to Brazil’s agriculture ministry.
The ministry said that shipments from all regions except Rio Grande do Sul can restart immediately, while most areas in the affected state will regain access on October 2.
At the same time, China has launched an inspection of Brazil’s sanitary standards, a process considered crucial to removing its own restrictions that remain in place.
China is currently the only major buyer still blocking Brazilian chicken following the outbreak, while other countries have already eased their restrictions.
The developments come as the National Supply Company (Conab) forecasts Brazil will produce a record 32.3 million tons of chicken, beef, and pork in 2026.
The figure represents a 0.8% rise from 2025, despite beef output continuing to contract, according to Conab, which operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Most of the expansion is expected from chicken and pork, with both proteins projected to hit their highest production levels on record.
Chicken output is forecast to reach 15.9 million tons in 2026, an increase of 2.8% compared to 2025.
Pork production is set to rise by 3.6% to 5.8 million tons over the same period.
In contrast, beef production is expected to fall by 3.6% to 10.6 million tons in 2026, the lowest level since 2023.
Beef output has been declining since 2025 after reaching 11 million tons in 2024, a downturn linked to higher slaughter of female cattle during periods of elevated prices, which reduced calf supply.
Despite the weaker beef segment, Brazil is projected to achieve record exports of 11 million tons of meat in 2026, 2.9% higher than the previous year.
Exports of the three proteins are expected to reach new highs, with chicken shipments climbing 2.5% to 5.4 million tons.
Beef exports are predicted to rise by 2.4% to 4.1 million tons, while pork exports are expected to grow 5.2% to 1.5 million tons.
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