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High demand, health crisis and soaring domestic prices explain how the US became the largest importer of eggs from Brazil in 2024
The Brazilian egg market has gained a new international player. For the first time, the United States has taken over the position of largest egg importer in Brazil, far surpassing countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Chile. The information was released by the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) this week.
Imports soared by more than 340%
According to the entity, between January and March of this year, Americans bought 2.705 tons of Brazilian eggs — an impressive growth of 346,4% compared to the same period in 2023.
- Delays at Brazilian ports prevent coffee shipments, causing losses of R$66 million and causing the country to lose R$1,5 billion in revenue
- King of Cattle transforms Amazon lands into one of the largest Brazilian agricultural projects
- China plans to start planting corn and soybeans in Brazil
- China has a plan to boost agriculture and Brazil could benefit
The second-placed country, the United Arab Emirates, imported 1.422 tons, registering a 9% drop. Next in line are Chile (1.182 tons), Japan (846 tons) and the newcomer Mexico (576 tons).
US bird flu outbreak boosts shopping
The reason behind this change is clear: the US is facing a severe outbreak of bird flu, which has killed thousands of birds and drastically reduced domestic production. With supply falling and domestic prices hitting record highs, importing became the only way out — and Brazil, the ideal supplier.
Ricardo Santin, president of ABPA, believes that the official opening of the American market to Brazilian eggs destined for thermoprocessing was a crucial step.
“We are seeing concrete results from this opening. And the best part is that exports represent only 1% of national production, meaning they do not affect domestic supply,” he said.
Strong demand also puts pressure on the domestic market
Although Brazil is free of avian flu on commercial farms, the domestic market has also felt the effects. In March alone, the price of eggs rose 20% compared to February, according to the IBGE. The reason? An explosive combination: high demand due to Lent, intense heat that reduced poultry production, and an increase in the price of corn.
Still, the country remains a reliable and competitive supplier on the global stage, which has helped the US to consolidate itself as a largest egg importer in Brazil.
New era for egg exports?
With the United States leading purchases, the Brazilian poultry sector enters a new level. The presence of largest egg importer in Brazil at the top of the list shows there is room to grow — as long as sanitation, quality and production remain under control.
And in front of a increasingly unpredictable global scenario, it is possible that Brazilian eggs, previously limited to the domestic market, will start to fly even further.
