Brazil is intensifying diplomatic efforts to persuade China and the European Union to lift bans on its poultry imports, imposed earlier this year following an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Speaking at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro emphasized that the country has successfully contained the outbreak and restored its disease-free status. “We complied with all international protocols and swiftly controlled the outbreak. Now, we are requesting the recognition of Brazil as free of avian flu,” Fávaro stated.
- The outbreak, which occurred in May 2025, prompted China to impose a nationwide ban on Brazilian poultry products, including chicken meal.
- This move significantly impacted Brazil’s poultry sector, as the country previously supplied nearly half of China’s chicken meat imports—amounting to approximately 495,000 tonnes in 2024.
In contrast, other major importers such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates opted for more targeted restrictions, limiting bans to the affected region rather than the entire country.
Brazilian officials are also in active discussions with the European Union. On July 11, Minister Fávaro held a high-level videoconference with EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi to advocate for the removal of EU restrictions. Fávaro highlighted the transparency and efficiency of Brazil’s veterinary response and reiterated the country’s compliance with both Brazilian and European health standards.
Commissioner Várhelyi acknowledged Brazil’s efforts but noted that the EU requires additional technical documentation before lifting the ban. “Our rules go beyond WHO parameters. We need further information about your surveillance program,” he said.
- Despite the economic blow—estimated to have cost Brazil between 10% and 20% of its poultry exports—Brazilian authorities remain optimistic.
- The 28-day countdown to regain disease-free status concluded on June 18, 2025, and the country has since implemented strict biosecurity measures to prevent future outbreaks.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is reportedly leading negotiations with China, underscoring the strategic importance of restoring access to key export markets.
As Brazil awaits formal responses from both China and the EU, the government continues to emphasize its commitment to international health standards and the resilience of its agricultural sector.
Sources: Available upon request