South Korea to partially lift poultry import ban from Brazil
Partial trade resumes as both countries seek to avoid domestic supply shortages
SOUTH KOREA – South Korea has announced plans to partially restart poultry imports from unaffected regions in Brazil following a recent outbreak of avian influenza.
The country’s agriculture ministry said it made the decision due to the risk of shortages, as Brazil supplies the majority of South Korea’s imported chicken.
Talks between South Korean and Brazilian authorities have led to an agreement allowing imports to resume from parts of Brazil where the disease has not been detected.
In mid-May, South Korea suspended all poultry imports from Brazil after the government officially notified the World Organization for Animal Health of an HPAI case in Rio Grande do Sul.
Brazil is currently the world’s largest chicken exporter and remains a critical source of poultry for several countries.
Last year, South Korea brought in 158,000 tonnes of Brazilian chicken, which made up 86 percent of its total poultry imports.
This volume accounted for around 20 percent of the country’s overall chicken consumption, estimated at 791,000 tonnes.
With the suspension putting pressure on local supply, authorities are now shifting to a regional approach, allowing imports from safe zones to help stabilize the market.
South Africa takes similar steps
South Africa has also eased its ban, permitting poultry imports from all Brazilian states except Rio Grande do Sul.
The country’s Department of Agriculture announced the change on June 18, with new import rules taking effect a day later.
Brazilian officials have confirmed that the bird flu outbreak is restricted to a single southern state, enabling trade from other regions to continue.
Industry stakeholders in South Africa have expressed support for the move, citing its role in avoiding shortages of low-cost processed meat products.
The South African Meat Processors Association (Sampa) said the previous import halt, which began on May 16, had caused strain on local producers who depend on Brazilian mechanically deboned chicken.
These poultry imports are widely used in manufacturing affordable protein items such as polony, viennas, and bangers.
According to Sampa, the government’s quick response prevented potential disruptions in the market and helped maintain product availability.
The Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) also welcomed the targeted policy, stating it was a sensible way to manage bird flu risks without stopping trade completely.
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