Brazil’s chicken exports hold steady in 2025 despite bird flu cases

Despite the detection of avian flu in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazilian chicken exports to Arab countries remained stable in the first half of 2025. According to the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, shipments totaled USD 1.75 billion — a slight drop of 0.53% compared to the same period in 2024.

Avian flu disrupts growth but does not halt shipments
The outbreak of bird influenza, confirmed in May in Rio Grande do Sul, interrupted what had been a 10% growth in exports during the first four months of the year. Even so, shipments to Arab countries held steady thanks to importers’ confidence and long-term supply contracts with Brazilian poultry processors.

“We believe the trust between Brazilian meatpackers and their Arab partners was key to sustaining sales. Brazil enjoys international credibility due to its strict sanitary standards, which make recovery easier even after outbreaks like the one in Rio Grande do Sul,” said Mohamad Mourad, Secretary General of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber.

Here is a historical overview of Brazilian bovine and chicken exports to arab countries from January 2022 to May 2025. The chart was created using DataLiner data:

Bovine and Chicken Exports to Arab Countries | Jan 2022 – May 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

New case in Ceará does not raise concerns
Another outbreak was recently confirmed at a subsistence farm in Quixeramobim, in the state of Ceará, but is not expected to affect exports to Arab markets. Most of the poultry farms that supply these markets are located in Brazil’s southern region — far from the recent detection site.

Currently, only Saudi Arabia and Oman have restrictions on chicken from Rio Grande do Sul. Qatar has imposed targeted limits on products from Montenegro, the city where the earlier outbreak occurred. Mourad added that the Chamber is in regular contact with the 17 Arab diplomatic missions in Brazil, as well as with member governments, to provide official updates on the situation in Ceará.

Overall exports fall, but outlook remains positive
While poultry exports remained steady, total Brazilian exports to Arab countries fell by 16.93% in the first half of 2025, reaching USD 9.22 billion. Despite the downturn, Mourad remains optimistic about the rest of the year.

He noted signs of recovery in key Arab economies, with rising demand for Brazilian products used in manufacturing, such as coffee, cellulose, live animals, and cast iron goods. “Consumer demand in Arab countries remains strong. We may not match the figures from 2024, but we expect solid trade results and a robust surplus in our relations with the region,” Mourad concluded.

Source: Portal do Agronegócio

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