Brazil confirms bird flu outbreak, sparking China shipments ban

Brazil, the world’s largest poultry exporter, confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a commercial farm on Friday, triggering a ban on shipments to China and raising the prospect of restrictions from other trade partners.

Brazil exported US$10 billion of chicken meat in 2024, accounting for about 35 per cent of global trade. Much of that came from meat processors BRF and JBS, which ship to some 150 countries.

China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, are among the main destinations for Brazil’s chicken exports.

Brazil’s Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro said on Friday China had banned poultry imports from the country for 60 days, but that Brazilian chicken in transit to other countries would not face problems.

Chinese customs did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside business hours.

The outbreak occurred in the city of Montenegro in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, the agriculture ministry said. The state accounts for 15 per cent of Brazilian poultry production and exports, national pork and poultry group ABPA said in July 2024.