Saudi Arabia lifts poultry import ban on Rio Grande do Sul after avian flu resolution

Saudi Arabia has announced it will lift the temporary restrictions on poultry imports from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, following the resolution of the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) reported in the municipality of Montenegro. The confirmation was given by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) to the state government, through the Secretariat for Agriculture, Livestock, Sustainable Production, and Irrigation (Seapi), on Wednesday (August 13).

“We are gradually reopening important and strategic markets for Rio Grande do Sul. This also reflects the credibility we have with other countries and the quality of the work performed by the state’s Official Veterinary Service,” emphasized the Secretary of Agriculture, Edivilson Brum.

Strategic partner

Data from the Rio Grande do Sul Poultry Association (Asgav) show that Saudi Arabia accounted for 21% of the state’s chicken meat exports between January and October 2024, second only to the United Arab Emirates. Between April and January of this year, Saudi Arabia was the second-largest importer of Brazilian poultry, according to the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (Mdic).

The president of Asgav, José Eduardo dos Santos, emphasized that this is important news, given Saudi Arabia’s purchasing power. “It’s another step toward normalizing foreign trade for the poultry sector in Rio Grande do Sul. Today, Middle Eastern countries import around 30% of Brazil’s poultry exports, and naturally, the state is part of that figure since we are the third-largest exporter in Brazil,” he stated.

Resuming foreign trade

Last week, during a trade mission to Rio Grande do Sul, Chile also announced the reopening of its poultry market. Now, only two key markets remain closed: China and the European Union.

“The reopening of the Saudi market is extremely important, as it is a key trading partner for the poultry sector in Rio Grande do Sul. This move also represents recognition of the assurances provided by both the state and the country with regard to animal protein, especially poultry,” said Seapi’s deputy secretary, Márcio Madalena.

Source: Governo do Estado do RS

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