China’s chicken imports seen falling 7% in 2026

Chinese chicken imports are expected to total 400,000 tonnes in 2026, according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) office in Beijing. The projected volume represents a 7% drop from the estimated 430,000 tonnes for 2025. The forecast does not include chicken feet. According to the USDA, while demand from foodservice and processing segments may remain stable, restrictions on major suppliers will continue to limit total import volumes.

After the confirmation of an avian influenza case at a commercial farm in Rio Grande do Sul in May, the Chinese government suspended all chicken meat purchases from Brazil. In addition, restrictions remain in place on chicken from most U.S. states, also due to avian influenza. Normally, Brazil supplies more than half of China’s imported chicken, the USDA noted. The United States is also among the top suppliers.

See below a historical overview of Brazilian chicken meat exports to China from January to July 2022–2025. The chart was prepared with DataLiner data:

Brazilian Chicken Meat Exports to China | Jan–Jul 2022–2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

According to the USDA’s Beijing office, China’s domestic chicken production in 2026 is expected to rise 3% compared to 2025, reaching 16.7 million tonnes. Domestic consumption is projected to increase 2%, to 16 million tonnes in 2026, the agency said.

In the current market context, the news reinforces pressure on chicken export prices from Brazil and the United States. Investors and commodity traders are expected to closely monitor developments regarding Chinese restrictions, which could affect both futures contracts and the revenues of exporting companies.

Source: ADFVN

Sharing is caring!