13 Mar 2026

Brazil poised to boost poultry trade ties with Asia

Brazil leverages halal standards and disease-free status to expand poultry exports into Asia’s growing consumer markets.

aviNews Asia

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Brazil, the world’s largest chicken meat exporter, is poised to expand its global footprint in 2026, with Asian markets playing a central role in its trade strategy.

According to the latest USDA Poultry and Products Semi-annual Report on Brazil, the country’s chicken meat production is forecast to reach a record 15.7 million tons, up 2% from 2025. Of this, nearly 5.2 million tons will be exported, reinforcing the country’s position as the leading supplier of poultry worldwide.

Building on global demand

Export growth is supported by steady international demand, favorable currency conditions, and lower production costs.

The Brazilian government is negotiating regionalization clauses in health certificates to protect poultry exports. These measures aim to keep trade flowing even if outbreaks such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Newcastle Disease occur.

Asia as a strategic market

Asian destinations remain a cornerstone of Brazil’s poultry trade. The report highlights the country’s focus on halal-certified markets, which are particularly significant in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

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Exporters are diversifying product offerings, from chilled and frozen cuts to processed chicken, to strengthen their presence in established destinations such as China, Japan, and South Korea. At the same time, efforts are underway to expand into emerging Southeast Asian markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

China continues to be a top buyer, importing large volumes due to domestic production constraints and disease concerns. Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, represent premium markets where Brazilian poultry meets stringent quality standards.

In Southeast Asia, halal certification provides Brazil with a competitive edge, aligning with consumer preferences and religious requirements.

Price advantage in Asian markets

Brazil’s poultry sector benefits from its disease-free status in commercial plants, a critical factor in maintaining access to sensitive Asian markets.

Currency devaluation further strengthens its position: with the Brazilian real forecast at BRL 5.42 per USD in 2026, average poultry prices translate to just USD 1.49/kg for chilled chicken and USD 1.48/kg for frozen chicken.

This pricing makes Brazilian chicken highly competitive compared to other global suppliers, offering Asian importers both affordability and reliability. The short production cycle of broilers also allows producers to quickly adjust supply to meet shifting demand in Asia’s dynamic markets.

Consolidating leadership

With record production, resilient trade policies, and a sharpened focus on Asia, Brazil is set to reinforce its role as the world’s poultry powerhouse in 2026.

The combination of halal certification, competitive pricing, and disease-free status positions the country to not only maintain but expand its dominance in Asian poultry imports.

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