Brazilian chicken exports grow despite logistical struggles

Brazilian chicken meat exports continued to expand in March, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and logistical disruptions linked to the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz.According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), total exports of chicken meat reached 504,300 tonnes in March. This represents a 6% increase compared with the same month last year, when exports totalled 476,000 tonnes. Export revenues also reached a record level for the month, totalling $944.7 million, which is 6.2% higher than the $889.9 million recorded in March 2025.Performance over the first quarter of the year was similarly strong. Between January and March 2026, Brazilian chicken exports totalled 1.46 million tonnes, marking a 5% increase compared with the 1.39 million tonnes exported during the same period in 2025. Revenue growth outpaced the rise in volumes, reaching $2.76 billion, which is 6.9% higher than the $2.59 billion recorded in the previous year.Exports to China are recoveringDemand from key international markets remained robust. China resumed import levels seen prior to May 2025, when Brazil faced a temporary outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in its commercial production, a situation that has since been resolved. In March, exports to China reached 51,800 tonnes, representing an increase of 11.6% compared with the same month last year.Other important destinations also recorded notable growth. Exports to Japan reached 42,100 tonnes, an increase of 41.3% year-on-year, while shipments to the European Union rose by 33.7% to 30,700 tonnes. South Africa imported 33,100 tonnes, representing a 21.4% increase. Saudi Arabia, although remaining one of the largest markets, recorded a slight decline of 5.3%, with imports totalling 38,700 tonnes.Logistical strugglesThe ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have nevertheless had a measurable impact on trade flows to the Middle East. Exports to the region declined by 18.5% in March compared with February, the month preceding the escalation of the conflict. Despite this drop, shipments have continued to reach the region through alternative routes. According to ABPA President Ricardo Santin, the overall volumes demonstrate the resilience of Brazil’s export logistics. He noted that more than 100,000 tonnes were shipped to Middle Eastern markets in March, including over 45,000 tonnes destined for countries directly affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.