Brazil’s exports of poultry products surpass expectations in Q1
Brazilian exports of poultry products (chicken, eggs, and genetic material) surpassed expectations in the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, the US became the largest importer of Brazilian eggs in March.
The results have been boosted by concerns over avian influenza in key producing regions and ongoing trade uncertainties stemming from tariff policies imposed by the United States.
Between January and March, chicken exports reached 1.387 million tonnes, up 13.7% compared with the same period in 2024. Total revenue in the quarter climbed 20.8%, reaching US$2.587 billion.
In March, exports stood at 476,000 tonnes (13.8% more year-on-year), with revenue of US$889.9 million (18.5% more).
“Global outbreaks of avian influenza have heightened the need for reliable suppliers, and Brazil is responding with the necessary volume and quality. China remains a major buyer, but we’re also seeing consistent demand from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other markets,” says Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).
Eggs for America
Egg exports hit 8,654 tonnes in the first quarter, up 97.2% above the same period last year, with quarterly revenues soaring 116.1% to US$17.77 million. In March alone, shipments reached 3,770 tonnes (+342.2%), generating US$8.65 million (+383% year-on-year).
“This month, we saw the tangible impact of the United States opening its market to thermally processed eggs from Brazil. Given that exports account for only around 1% of overall production, we can meet external demand without compromising domestic availability,” Santin explained.
Genetics: more income, less volume
Over the first 3 months of 2025, exports of avian genetic material (fertile eggs and day-old chicks) generated US$62 million, an increase of 7.6% year-on-year, even as shipment volumes dropped 27.8% to 5,668 tonnes. In March alone, revenue totaled US$22.3 million (+18.4%), while volumes fell 35.1% to 1,777 tonnes.
“We’ve observed growing interest from neighbouring countries in day-old chicks to boost their production. This consistent trend since mid-2024 reinforces global confidence in Brazilian genetics, though volumes may fluctuate monthly,” completes.
Tariffs effects?
In addition, the global effect of tariff wars may open new markets for Brazilian exports mainly to China and Mexico. This is because the United States is a significant supplier of poultry products to these countries.
Analysts anticipate that Brazil’s poultry sector is likely to keep performing well in the months ahead, underpinned by the persistent threat of avian influenza worldwide and lingering commercial uncertainty tied to US tariff policies.
Recent openings in markets such as the US (for processed eggs) and Mexico (for chicken products) further bolster the expectation that Brazilian suppliers will remain key players in meeting global poultry demands.
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