Brazilian poultry exports soar; South Africa weighs risks amid bird flu threat

Brazil, the world’s top poultry exporter, is poised to demonstrate increased export volumes in 2023, with statistics up to November of the previous year indicating a 5.6% growth in poultry exports. The primary destination for Brazilian chicken in 2023 was China, followed closely by South Africa, which showed the second-largest increase in poultry imports from Brazil. According to WattPoultry, over the January to November period, Brazil experienced a 28% year-on-year increase in poultry exports, amounting to over 632 000 metric tonnes. Notable increases in chicken imports were observed in South Africa (309 000mt; +21%) and Mexico (173 000mt; +28%). By November, Brazil had earned $9 billion from its poultry sales of 4.68 million tonnes, with expectations of the year-end total surpassing 5 million tonnes. However, concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact of bird flu on Brazil’s commercial poultry industry and its implications for South African imports. Brazil supplies a ...