After a year and a half of restrictions, China announced the end of the embargo on the import of chicken meat produced in Rio Grande do Sul. The decision was communicated by the Chinese authorities on Friday (16) and confirmed this Tuesday (20) by the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and sector entities.
The suspension of the purchase of the product had been imposed by the Chinese after the confirmation of an outbreak of Newcastle Disease in the state in July 2024.
The measure was made official in a joint statement from the General Administration of Customs of China and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the Asian country, which revoked a previous act based on a health risk analysis.
The embargo had been imposed after the disease detection on a commercial farm in the municipality of Anta Gorda (RS). At the time, the state was in zoosanitary emergency for about three weeks.
In May last year, the state registered bird flu case on a farm in the municipality of Montenegro. A month later, the country was confirmed free from bird fluafter 28 days without records. In November 2025, China released chicken imports from other Brazilian states, but maintained the ban on Rio Grande do Sul.
Economic impact
The absence of the Chinese market directly affected the performance of exports from Rio Grande do Sul. In 2024, the blockade contributed to a drop of around 1% in the state’s chicken meat exports. Until before the embargo, China accounted for almost 6% of chicken shipments from Rio Grande do Sul, with the restriction being partially offset by sales to other countries.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the resumption of exports was possible after proving measures to control and eradicate the disease, in accordance with international animal health protocols.
Strategic recovery
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA) assessed that the reopening of the Chinese market represents a relevant step towards the normalization of trade flows.
“The decision reaffirms the credibility of the Brazilian health system and the international recognition of our response model”, highlighted the entity, in a note.
According to ABPA, the negotiations involved permanent dialogue with the Chinese authorities. During this period, entities and the Brazilian government sent detailed information proving control and eradication actions and alignment with international animal health protocols.
Entities in the sector highlight that the expectation now is for a gradual resumption of shipments, as licensing systems are updated and health certificates are released. China is one of the main destinations for Brazilian chicken and considered strategic for balancing international trade in animal protein.
