China suspends poultry imports from Argentina

China suspended poultry imports from Argentina starting August 20, just five months after lifting a two-year ban.

The notice of suspension, published on a customs website, did not specify the reason for the measure or the duration it would remain in effect.

Customs authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Beijing has also banned imports of poultry and related products from its largest supplier, Brazil, since May, and from Spain this month, citing outbreaks of avian flu in both countries.

The two-year ban on Argentine poultry was imposed following the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the country’s commercial flocks.

“This decision may help support the prices of some poultry products, as China has restricted imports from several major suppliers,” said Pan Chenjun, senior animal protein analyst at Rabobank in Hong Kong.

“However, its overall impact (on prices) is likely limited due to China’s current surplus of poultry meat and the industry’s ongoing financial difficulties.”

China primarily imports poultry products, including chicken feet, chicken wings, and bone-in chicken parts.

China’s poultry meat imports from January to July totaled 226,013 tonnes, a 2% drop compared to the same period last year, according to customs data.

Source: CNN Brasil

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