Last embargo lifted: Canada resumes imports of Brazilian chicken after avian flu outbreak

Canada has resumed authorizing imports of Brazilian chicken meat, bringing to an end the cycle of restrictions imposed after an avian flu case was detected at a commercial poultry farm in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in May. The information was confirmed by the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) following official communication to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

With the decision, the North American country ceases to be the last market maintaining a ban on the Brazilian product. The move restores Brazil’s access to all destinations that had temporarily suspended purchases, reinforcing the country’s position as one of the world’s leading exporters of chicken meat.

The embargo was imposed after the confirmation, on May 16, of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a commercial farm in the municipality of Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul. According to health authorities, the outbreak was quickly isolated and contained, with immediate adoption of containment protocols and notification to international bodies. In June, Brazil was once again recognized as free of the disease.

Before the Canadian decision, other markets had gradually resumed imports of Brazilian chicken. The European Union recently announced the normalization of trade flows, a move followed by countries considered strategic for the sector, such as China, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Russia, and Morocco.

According to ABPA president Ricardo Santin, the reopening of the Canadian market concludes a process conducted with technical and diplomatic efficiency. He said Brazil’s response was marked by transparency, strict sanitary controls, and speed, helping to restore confidence among trading partners.

See below a historical overview of Brazilian chicken meat exports to Canada starting in January 2022. Shipments ceased in July 2025:

Chicken Exports to Canada | Jan 2022 to Jul 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

The association believes the episode reinforces the credibility of Brazil’s agricultural health defense system and demonstrates the country’s ability to handle sanitary events in line with international standards. In addition to the normalization of exports, the sector expects to end the year with growth in both shipment volumes and revenue compared with 2024.

Source: Money Times

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