Brazil chicken exports reached record levels in 2026. Brazil was already the world's largest exporter of chicken meat. This year it shipped more than ever, as markets that had paused imports after a 2025 bird flu case reopened. This article sums up the latest figures, the main markets and what the numbers mean for importers planning their supply for 2027.
If you buy Brazilian poultry, our frozen chicken range shows the cuts we supply. You can also read our guide to frozen chicken leg quarters and our grade A chicken paws guide.
Brazil chicken exports: the 2026 numbers
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) publishes monthly export data. As reported in the trade press, the main 2026 figures are:
- First half of 2026: about 2.94 million tonnes, up 12.9% on the first half of 2025. Revenue was about US$5.7 billion. ABPA called it the best first half on record.
- June 2026: about 482,800 tonnes, up 40.6% year on year.
- August 2026: about 492,600 tonnes, up roughly 25% year on year.
- January to August 2026: about 3.91 million tonnes, up 15.5%, worth about US$7.69 billion.
Part of the jump is a base effect. In mid-2025 several buyers suspended imports after one bird flu case on a commercial farm in Rio Grande do Sul. So 2025 was weaker than normal, and 2026 looks especially strong against it.
Official forecasts for 2026 and 2027
Brazil's National Supply Company (Conab) expects growth to continue. According to Conab figures published by Agência Gov in September 2026:
- Chicken production is forecast at 16.3 million tonnes in 2026, up 3.1%.
- Chicken exports are forecast at 5.76 million tonnes in 2026, up 11.5%.
- For 2027, Conab expects production of about 16.7 million tonnes and exports of about 5.8 million tonnes.
The US Department of Agriculture also tracks the sector in its Brazil Poultry and Products Annual report. It describes Brazil as the largest chicken meat exporter in the world. The two sources differ slightly on exact numbers, but both point to steady growth.
Where Brazil's export chicken is produced
Most export chicken comes from the south of Brazil. Paraná is the largest producing and exporting state, followed by Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. These states have dense networks of integrated farms, feed mills and large processing plants. They are also close to the main reefer ports of Paranaguá, Itajaí, Navegantes and Rio Grande.
Production is organised in an integration model. Companies and agro-industrial cooperatives supply chicks, feed and technical support to contract farmers. They then process the birds in their own plants. Each export plant works under the federal inspection service, known as SIF, run by the Ministry of Agriculture.
For buyers, this structure has two benefits:
- Consistency: the same genetics, feed and processing standards across many farms give uniform sizes and quality.
- Traceability: every carton can be traced back to the plant, the production date and the batch.
It also explains why one disease case can affect a whole state. Importing countries often apply restrictions by region, so a supplier with plants in more than one state is better placed to keep shipping.
Where Brazilian chicken goes: top export markets
Brazilian chicken reaches buyers across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas and Europe. In June 2026 the four largest buyers by volume were China (about 50,100 tonnes), Japan (about 46,600 tonnes), the United Arab Emirates (about 46,200 tonnes) and Saudi Arabia (about 33,100 tonnes).
Each market buys different products:
- China and Hong Kong take large volumes of chicken paws, wings and other cuts from GACC-registered plants. See our China market page.
- Japan buys largely boneless leg and breast meat to strict specifications. See our Asia market page.
- The Gulf states buy Halal whole birds and cuts. See our GCC market page.
- Africa and the Caribbean buy price-led cuts such as leg quarters and mechanically deboned meat.
China's return changed the picture
China is the key story of 2026. After the 2025 bird flu case, China restricted Brazilian chicken. In August 2025 it took only 83 tonnes. In August 2026 it took about 51,000 tonnes, as reported from ABPA data. China also lifted its remaining ban on chicken from Rio Grande do Sul in January 2026.
The European Union reopened to Brazilian chicken in September 2025, and other markets also eased their limits. For importers, this matters in two ways. More plants are again approved for more markets, which widens choice. But strong Chinese demand also competes for the same plant quotas, which keeps prices firm.
What Brazil chicken exports mean for importers
Records at origin do not automatically mean cheap chicken at destination. Prices depend on feed costs, the Brazilian real, freight rates and demand from large buyers. Here is how to use the 2026 trends:
- Plan volumes early. Peak demand before Ramadan, Chinese New Year and the year-end holidays fills plant schedules fast.
- Check market approval. Make sure the plant is approved for your country, not just for export in general.
- Consider a contract. A 6 to 12 month programme can secure plant quota and loading dates. Spot buying gives flexibility but less certainty.
- Watch animal-health news. A single disease case can close markets quickly. A supplier with several approved plants lowers this risk.
- Protect your payments. High demand attracts fake offers. Verify the seller and the booking before paying.
Our shipping and logistics page shows transit times from Brazil's main ports. Our certifications page explains plant approvals.
How MARYTHUR LTD supplies Brazilian chicken
We hold non-exclusive supply agreements and reserved export quotas with SIF-registered Brazilian plants. This helps us offer regular loading slots even when demand is high. Every order follows our 16-step working procedure.
Our only payment terms are T/T: 30–50% deposit + balance on arrival. You pay the deposit after receiving a booking confirmation you can verify with the carrier. SGS inspects quality and quantity at loading, and you pay the balance within 15 business days of arrival.
Planning your 2027 supply? Request a quote with your products, destination port and monthly volume.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brazil the largest chicken exporter in the world?
Yes. The US Department of Agriculture describes Brazil as the world's largest exporter of chicken meat, and Brazil set new export records in 2026.
How much chicken will Brazil export in 2026?
Conab forecasts about 5.76 million tonnes of chicken exports in 2026, up 11.5% on 2025. It expects around 5.8 million tonnes in 2027.
Which countries buy the most Brazilian chicken?
In June 2026 the largest buyers by volume were China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Many other markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas also buy regularly.
Did China lift its ban on Brazilian chicken?
Yes. China resumed imports after the 2025 bird flu case and lifted its remaining ban on chicken from Rio Grande do Sul in January 2026, according to trade reports.
Will Brazilian chicken prices fall because of record exports?
Not necessarily. Strong demand from China and other markets competes for plant quotas, and prices also depend on feed costs, the Brazilian real and freight rates.
