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According to CNN, the resumption of chicken purchases from Brazil by the European Union is a relief, but the sector is focused on the Chinese audit that starts today, which will determine the future of the country’s main market.
The European Union (EU) has reopened its market for chicken purchases from Brazil, a decision confirmed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) on Monday (22). The suspension, which lasted since May, was implemented as a precaution following the detection of a high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak at a commercial farm in Rio Grande do Sul.
The positive news, however, is counterbalanced by the situation of Brazil’s main trading partner in the sector. While the European bloc resumes imports, China, the largest destination for Brazilian poultry exports, still maintains its restrictions. According to CNN, a Chinese technical mission is starting on Monday (22) a crucial audit of Brazilian slaughterhouses to assess the country’s sanitary controls. The outcome of this visit is vital for the full recovery of the sector.
The Detail of the European Resumption
The European Union’s decision, formalized in a regulation published on Monday (22) and effective from Tuesday (23), is not a full and immediate reopening. The federal government detailed that the return of chicken purchases from Brazil will be gradual, following a strict schedule to ensure sanitary safety. Most of the national territory, with the exception of Rio Grande do Sul, is cleared to export products produced from September 18.
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The urgent need to implement a severe cut in public spending and a massive increase in taxes, in addition to drastically compromising the quality of basic services and the purchasing power of the population, could result in social unrest in the country, with the population leading protests, strikes, and frequent disturbances.
For Rio Grande do Sul, the state where the commercial outbreak was detected, the rules are more specific. Areas outside the initial outbreak zone will be able to resume exports to the EU starting October 2. The specific region within a 10 km radius of the affected farm in Montenegro (RS) will only be authorized to start selling to the bloc again on October 16. This gradual approach demonstrates European caution and the complexity of managing sanitary barriers.
The Path for Brazil to Be “Free” from Avian Influenza
The European resumption was possible because the EU formally recognized Brazil as free from avian influenza on September 4. This recognition came after Brazil itself self-declared free from the disease on June 18, a strategic action taken after the end of the sanitary void period required since the confirmation of the case at the southern farm.
Immediately following the self-declaration, Brazil sent formal notification to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), aiming to restore international confidence. This measure was essential, given that the confirmation in May, although isolated and contained, generated a wave of restrictions from more than 40 markets. CNN highlights that despite various cases in wild birds, Brazil managed to prevent the disease from spreading to large-scale commercial production, preserving its international sanitary status.
China: The Weight of the Audit in the Main Market
Although the reopening of the EU is an important diplomatic and commercial victory, the sector’s focus is on Asia. China, by far the largest importer of national poultry, has not yet resumed the purchase of chicken from Brazil. The Chinese suspension has a significantly greater economic impact than that of the European bloc, putting pressure on slaughterhouses and the production chain.
The Chinese technical mission arriving in the country on Monday is therefore the most important step of the year for the sector. As reported by CNN, these auditors will rigorously evaluate the sanitary controls implemented by Brazil against avian influenza. The country’s performance in this evaluation will be decisive for the resumption of exports to Beijing. From January to August 2025, Brazil has already exported 3.28 million tons of chicken meat, generating US$ 6.15 billion, and China’s participation is crucial for these numbers.
The European resumption is a positive sign of confidence, but dependence on the Chinese market puts the sector on high alert. This week’s audit will determine the pace of Brazilian poultry for the rest of the year.
Do you think China will reopen the market after this audit? How does this instability between reopenings and suspensions affect local producers? Share your opinion in the comments; we want to hear from those living this in practice.
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