On May 19, 2025, the European Commission prohibited poultry and meat imports from Brazil, the world’s largest poultry exporter, due to a bird flu outbreak in Rio Grande do Sul.
The decision, triggered by Brazil’s loss of its “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)-free” status, halts all exports to the EU, as the bloc requires HPAI-free certification, per Bloomberg.
Brazil confirmed its first case of bird flu on a poultry farm on May 16. This led to a 60-day nationwide import ban from China, its largest buyer, and state-level restrictions from countries like Japan and South Korea. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro reported this information, as cited by CNBC.
Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a poultry farm on Friday, triggering protocols for a country-wide trade ban from top buyer China and state-wide restrictions for other major consumers https://t.co/I9hOORzVCZ pic.twitter.com/7pvcgiSxPT
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 16, 2025The EU ban, with no specified duration, aligns with these measures, per The Poultry Site. Brazil’s 2024 poultry exports exceeded 5 million tons, with 4.4% (220,000 tons) to the EU.
Brazil accounts for 32% of EU poultry imports, but the volume is small compared to the local supply. The ban may ease price pressure on EU producers, who compete with Brazil’s cheaper, high-value imports.
Rio Bird Flu Context
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Rio Grande do Sul, which was identified on a commercial farm, marks Brazil’s first case of HPAI in poultry, following earlier cases in wild birds. Due to the highly contagious nature of HPAI, Brazil has implemented swift trade protocols and containment measures. The European Union’s strict import regulations reflect global concerns regarding this outbreak, similar to recent bans imposed by the United States and Canada.
Plus de poulet brésilien jusqu'à nouvel ordre: l'UE suspend immédiatement toutes les importations de volailles depuis le Brésilhttps://t.co/ZcPPACmiPn pic.twitter.com/Rw6ahYfUl6
— BFMTV (@BFMTV) May 19, 2025According to Bloomberg, the ban is disrupting Brazil’s $9 billion poultry export market, and China’s 60-day restriction presents a greater threat than the EU. Brazil is strengthening its biosecurity measures to regain its HPAI-free status, as reported by Reuters.
While local producers in the EU may benefit from this situation, adjustments in the supply chain could lead to increased consumer prices. Ongoing monitoring will be essential to determine when trade can resume.
