China issues countrywide ban on Brazilian poultry imports - Reuters

China issues countrywide ban on Brazilian poultry imports - Reuters

China has imposed a comprehensive ban on all poultry and related products from Brazil, citing an avian influenza outbreak. This move, announced on May 29, follows a previous suspension of import applications from Brazilian poultry farms. The ban, effective immediately, mandates that any Brazilian poultry arriving directly or indirectly must be returned or destroyed. Additionally, all animal and plant waste from inbound Brazilian ships must be processed under customs' supervision [1].

Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter and China's primary chicken supplier, confirmed the outbreak on a commercial poultry farm in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul, on May 16. This discovery triggered a series of international trade bans, including a full embargo from China. Other major importers, such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have implemented regional bans, while the European Union and South Korea have also restricted Brazilian chicken imports [2].

The Brazilian government had requested China to limit its embargo to poultry products from the affected city. However, China's announcement indicates a nationwide ban, underscoring the severity of the avian flu's impact on international trade. Brazil exported approximately $10 billion of chicken meat in 2024, accounting for about 35% of global trade. This ban is particularly painful for both Brazilian farmers and major importers [3].

Brazilian farmers are hopeful that warming relations between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Chinese President Xi Jinping will ease the poultry trade ban. The Brazilian Agriculture Ministry is actively sharing information to contain the outbreak and minimize the impact on exports [4]. Analysts predict that the outbreak could reduce Brazilian chicken exports by 10% to 20%, depending on how quickly the situation is contained and trade bans are lifted.

The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the outbreak was first detected, is the country's third-largest chicken producer. If the outbreak remains contained within this region, other countries may follow Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE's example and limit their bans to this state's chicken [4].

The ban could have broader implications for global poultry trade. If the bird flu outbreak spreads, it could exacerbate tensions between Brazil and its major importers. Additionally, it could raise U.S. hopes for China to ease restrictions on American poultry, given the current trade negotiations between the two countries [4].

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L2N3S20DO:0-china-issues-countrywide-ban-on-brazilian-poultry-imports/
[2] https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3441476-china-imposes-poultry-ban-on-brazilian-imports-amid-avian-flu-fears
[3] https://indianexpress.com/article/world/china-issues-countrywide-ban-on-brazilian-poultry-imports-10039089/
[4] https://www.aol.com/news/brazil-hopes-china-other-countries-031008072.html