The government has fully banned imports of Brazilian chicken following the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry farms in Brazil. The cessation of imports from Brazil, which accounted for 88% of the country’s chicken imports, raises concerns about food prices, including chicken prices.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 18th that it has prohibited imports of Brazilian breeding eggs, table eggs, day-old chicks, poultry meat, and poultry products starting from shipments on the 15th, following a report by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Supply to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about the occurrence of H5N1 highly pathogenic AI at a breeding farm.
For quantities shipped within 14 days before the import ban date (after May 1) and arriving in the country, AI testing will be conducted to determine customs clearance based on the results. Currently, 37 shipments of Brazilian chicken totaling 844 tons are awaiting quarantine in the country, and the government reports that the risk of infection is low and customs clearance is proceeding according to existing quarantine procedures.
Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of chicken, holding a dominant share in South Korea as well. According to the Korean Meat Products and Export Association, 88% of the total chicken import volume of 51,147 tons last year was from Brazil, amounting to 45,211 tons.
The area where the highly pathogenic AI has been confirmed this time is in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, which, along with Santa Catarina and Paraná, accounts for 60% of Brazil’s chicken production. This is the first time that highly pathogenic AI has occurred in commercial poultry farms in Brazil. It was first reported in wild birds in May of last year.
According to announcements from the Brazilian government, various countries are sensitively reacting to the occurrence of AI in farms in this region. The largest importer of Brazilian chicken is China ($1.29 billion), followed by Japan and Saudi Arabia, which also import significant amounts. South Korea ranks eighth with $287 million (approximately 400 billion won) in imports.
To respond to disruptions in the supply of chicken, the government plans to expand domestic supply measures, including extending the production cycle of broiler breeders.
Jeong Hye-ryeon, Director General for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, noted, "We will closely monitor the supply and demand situation following this import ban and will prepare additional measures if necessary."