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Lula Asks Xi Jinping to Resume Purchases of Brazilian Chicken After Suspension Due to Avian Influenza. Chinese President Indicated That He Would Seek a Solution to Unlock Exports, Suspended Since May, Totaling Over US$ 1.2 Billion Annually
The resumption of Brazilian chicken purchases by China was the central theme of a call between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and President Xi Jinping on Monday night (11). The sale of the protein to the Asian country has been suspended since May 16, following the confirmation of a case of avian influenza on a commercial farm in Rio Grande do Sul, as outlined in the bilateral health protocol.
According to reports from Estadão/Broadcast, Lula made three direct requests to Xi to reverse the suspension. The Chinese leader responded that he would seek a solution, but the final decision depends on the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), which conducts the technical review to again authorize imports.
Suspension and Impact on Trade
The measure has interrupted shipments that, only in 2024, totaled 561 thousand tons and US$ 1.288 billion in external sales to the Chinese market, equivalent to 13% of all chicken exported by Brazil. Before the suspension, 51 Brazilian slaughterhouses were approved to export to the country.
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The protocol between the two countries requires that any occurrence of avian influenza in commercial flocks leads to the immediate halt of export certifications. Although Brazil regained its status as free from the disease at the end of June, recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the resumption of Brazilian chicken purchases depends on formal authorization from the Chinese health authority.
Movements of the Brazilian Government
The Ministry of Agriculture sent a technical dossier to the GACC back in June, detailing the measures taken to contain the outbreak. In July, the Chinese requested additional information about the situation in Rio Grande do Sul and about preventing new cases. The responses have already been sent, and the expectation is that the review will be completed in the coming weeks.
This is not the first time Lula has personally acted to unlock exports. In 2023, the president also intervened with Xi to release shipments of suspended beef after an atypical case of mad cow disease, an operation worth R$ 2.5 billion.
What’s at Stake
China is the largest buyer of Brazilian chicken and plays a central role in balancing the trade deficit in the sector. A delay in the resumption of Brazilian chicken purchases could lead slaughterhouses to redirect shipments to other markets, pressuring prices and margins.
Experts point out that, in addition to the direct economic impact, the speed of resolution can strengthen Brazil’s image as a reliable supplier, which is crucial in a highly competitive global market subject to sanitary barriers.
Do you think this negotiation will unlock quickly? Or should Brazil seek to reduce its dependence on China for chicken? Leave your opinion in the comments.
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