Brazil has officially regained access to the European poultry market after the European Union (EU) recognized the country as free from avian influenza. This decision marks a significant milestone for Brazil’s agribusiness sector, particularly its poultry industry, which had faced export restrictions since May 2025 due to a detected outbreak at a commercial farm in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul.
- The EU’s recognition came after Brazil successfully implemented disinfection protocols and reported no new cases for 28 consecutive days.
- In June, the country declared itself free of the disease, and by early September, the EU confirmed Brazil’s compliance with international sanitary standards.
The announcement followed a high-level videoconference between Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, and EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi. During the meeting, Várhelyi acknowledged Brazil’s efforts and confirmed that the EU would begin lifting restrictions and gradually reinstate pre-listing privileges. Pre-listing allows Brazilian companies to export without undergoing additional audits—a process that had been suspended since 2018.
This move is expected to restore and potentially boost Brazil’s poultry exports to the EU, which is the seventh-largest importer of Brazilian chicken. In 2024 alone, Brazil exported over 125,000 tonnes of chicken to the EU, generating more than \$386 million in revenue.
The phased reopening of the European market is not only a win for Brazil’s poultry sector but also a signal of strengthened sanitary diplomacy. While 41 countries have lifted their bans—including Chile, Saudi Arabia, Namibia, and North Macedonia—major markets like China and Canada continue to uphold restrictions.
- Brazilian officials are optimistic that the EU’s decision will encourage other nations to follow suit.
- Minister Fávaro emphasized the importance of transparency and international cooperation, noting that the EU’s commitment to sanitary dialogue could pave the way for broader trade normalization.
For poultry operators and exporters, the reinstatement of EU market access promises improved logistics, stabilized supply chains, and competitive pricing. However, stakeholders are advised to monitor updates from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) to ensure compliance with evolving export protocols.
As the world’s largest poultry exporter, Brazil’s return to the European market reinforces its strategic role in global food security and trade.
Sources: Available upon request