Brazil is a powerhouse in the global poultry industry, consistently ranking among the top exporters of chicken meat worldwide. But 2025 came with unique challenges—ranging from geopolitical tension, fluctuating grain prices, disease surveillance, and a tightening global economy. Yet, Brazil's poultry sector not only weathered the storm—it grew stronger.
In this detailed blog, we’ll analyze why Brazil’s chicken exports are up, the mid-year slowdown that worried analysts, and how Brazilian producers adapted with strategy, efficiency, and resilience.
🌎 Global Overview: Brazil’s Role in the World Poultry Trade
Brazil’s position in the global chicken export industry is unmatched. It exports to over 150 countries, including:
- China 🇨🇳
- Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
- Japan 🇯🇵
- South Africa 🇿🇦
- European Union 🇪🇺
🌐 Key 2025 Export Data (Jan–July):
- Total export volume: 2.8 million metric tons
- Revenue generated: $6.4 billion
- Top buyers: China (34%), Middle East (28%), Europe (14%)
📊 A Look at the Numbers: Brazil’s Export Performance in 2025
- Q1 2025: 1.45 million metric tons exported (↑ 8.2% YoY)
- Q2 2025: 1.38 million metric tons (↓ 3.4% QoQ)
- June 2025 alone: 460,000 tons, valued at $900 million
- Top destinations: China 🇨🇳, UAE 🇦🇪, Japan 🇯🇵, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦, and the EU 🇪🇺
Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture reported a 5.6% rise in cumulative exports by mid-2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Even with a minor Q2 dip, the overall upward trajectory remains strong.
🌦️ What Caused the Mid-Year Slowdown?
Despite the positive year overall, the industry did face slowdowns in May–June. These were due to:
Port Logistics Bottlenecks
- High cargo volumes + limited vessel availability.
- Some ports experienced 2–5 day backlogs.
Weather Delays
- Heavy rains in southern Brazil disrupted trucking routes.
- Inland cold snaps affected processing timelines.
Regulatory Slowdowns
- Temporary halts on exports to Europe for specific lots due to updated health regulations.
Feed Cost Volatility
- Soybean and corn prices remained unstable in early 2025.
- Some smaller integrators reduced broiler placements as a risk control.
💡 How Brazil’s Poultry Industry Bounced Back
Despite these challenges, Brazil’s poultry exporters made strategic adjustments to mitigate risk and sustain volume growth.
1. Diversifying Export Markets 🌐
With tensions and economic pressures limiting some traditional buyers, Brazil expanded to:
- Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Introduced halal-certified and value-added products in Gulf countries.
2. Tech Integration in Processing 🧠
- Use of AI for predictive maintenance.
- Data-driven tracking of supply chains reduced delivery errors.
- Blockchain for export documentation boosted transparency.
3. Disease Control & Biosecurity 🛡️
- No major outbreaks of AI (Avian Influenza) in 2025.
- Mass adoption of proactive farm monitoring systems.
- Effective vaccination protocols and zoning controls.
4. Private-Public Synergy 🤝
- ABPA (Brazilian Animal Protein Association) led trade missions.
- Government eased poultry inspection timelines for export lots.
🚢 Key Export Destinations and Trends in 2025
Let’s look at where Brazil's chicken is going and what each market demands:
- 🇨🇳 China: Still the top buyer. Prefers whole frozen chickens and chicken feet.
- 🇯🇵 Japan: Focus on boneless cuts, high hygiene standards.
- 🇦🇪 UAE/Saudi Arabia: Strong demand for halal-certified, pre-marinated options.
- 🇿🇦 South Africa: Rebounding after import restrictions lifted in late 2024.
- 🇪🇺 EU Nations: More stringent requirements, but still a significant buyer.
📦 Where Are the Chickens Going?
Top Destinations in 2025:
Country % of Exports Primary Use China 🇨🇳 34% Whole chicken, cuts UAE & KSA 🇦🇪🇸🇦 20% Halal chicken Japan 🇯🇵 10% High-grade fillets South Africa 🇿🇦 8% Bulk frozen meat EU 🇪🇺 14% Value-added products
| Country | % of Exports | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| China 🇨🇳 | 34% | Whole chicken, cuts |
| UAE & KSA 🇦🇪🇸🇦 | 20% | Halal chicken |
| Japan 🇯🇵 | 10% | High-grade fillets |
| South Africa 🇿🇦 | 8% | Bulk frozen meat |
| EU 🇪🇺 | 14% | Value-added products |
🌍 What It Means for Global Poultry Markets
Brazil’s success in 2025 impacts global prices, supply chains, and food security. Here’s how:
- More Competitive Pricing: Brazil’s efficiency forces others to price smarter.
- Reliability Factor: Global buyers view Brazil as a stable supplier despite hiccups.
- Shifting Power: As the U.S. and EU face labor shortages, Brazil gains export share.
🐥 Impact on Local Producers in Brazil
While exports rise, domestic producers face margin pressures due to:
- Rising transportation costs.
- Growing environmental regulations (emission caps on feed mills).
- Labor challenges in rural poultry hubs.
Still, large-scale integrators are acquiring smaller players and investing in renewable energy (solar panels, biomass systems) to cut long-term costs.
🔮 What’s Next? Brazil’s Poultry Outlook for Late 2025 & 2026
📌 Forecasts:
- 2025 year-end exports expected to reach 4.7 million tons
- Export revenue may cross $10 billion
- New trade talks underway with Southeast Asia & Africa
- Expansion in Halal-certified processing facilities
Brazil is set to retain dominance into 2026 due to its production stability, global partnerships, and ability to adapt to market shifts.
❓ FAQs About Brazil’s Chicken Export Rise in 2025
Q1. Why did Brazil’s chicken exports grow in 2025?
A: Despite mid-year delays, Brazil leveraged strong demand, diversified its buyers, and enhanced tech in processing.Q2. Who buys the most chicken from Brazil?
A: China, Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the EU are the leading buyers.Q3. How did Brazil overcome port and weather delays?
A: By adjusting export schedules, increasing inland storage capacity, and using predictive logistics.Q4. Are Brazilian chicken exports halal?
A: Yes, many are certified halal, especially for Middle Eastern markets.Q5. Will Brazil’s poultry exports keep growing?
A: If disease control and trade relations hold, the upward trend is expected through 2026.Q6. Why is Brazil the largest chicken exporter in the world?
A: Because of its low production costs, large-scale poultry farms, and strong trade relationships with major importers like China and the Middle East.
Q7. What types of chicken does Brazil export the most?
A: Brazil primarily exports frozen whole chickens, chicken cuts, and Halal-certified poultry.
Q8. Has Brazil faced any export bans in 2025?
A: No, although some temporary import suspensions were seen due to bird flu risks in neighboring countries, not in Brazil itself.
Q9. How does Brazil ensure the quality of exported poultry?
A: Through strict hygiene protocols, food safety certifications (such as HACCP), and regular government inspections.
Q10. Will Brazil’s chicken export prices rise in 2026?
A: Possibly, due to feed price increases and global inflation, but Brazil’s cost-efficiency still gives it a pricing edge.
✅ Final Thoughts
Brazil’s poultry sector proves that resilience, adaptability, and innovation can overcome even the toughest challenges. Despite a sluggish patch mid-year, the country's exporters turned potential disaster into opportunity. As 2025 continues, Brazil remains a key force in global food security, and a model for developing economies seeking growth in agribusiness.