Brazilian Chicken Meat Exports Reach Record Levels in January 2025

Date: 11 February 2025

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Brazilian poultry industry has reported a remarkable surge in chicken meat exports for January 2025, with total shipments reaching an impressive 443 thousand tons. According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), this figure marks a 9.4% increase compared to the same month in the previous year, when exports totaled 404.9 thousand tons. Notably, this is the highest volume of chicken meat exported in January since records began.

The financial implications of this export growth are equally significant. The total revenue generated from these exports in January amounted to approximately US$ 826.4 million, reflecting a robust 20.9% increase from the US$ 683.6 million earned in January 2024. This growth underscores the expanding global demand for Brazilian chicken meat and highlights the country’s vital role in the international poultry market.

Key Markets for Brazilian Chicken Exports

China remains the leading destination for Brazilian chicken meat, importing 44.3 thousand tons in January, which represents a 15% increase over the previous year. The United Arab Emirates follows closely, maintaining stable imports of 38.9 thousand tons. Other significant markets include Saudi Arabia, which imported 31.8 thousand tons (a decrease of 9%), Japan with 28.1 thousand tons (down 30%), and South Africa, which imported 27.5 thousand tons (a decline of 14%).

The European Union has shown noteworthy growth, with imports climbing 41% to 22 thousand tons. The Philippines also demonstrated a strong demand, with a 39% increase resulting in imports of 20.4 thousand tons. Other countries contributing to the overall export figures include South Korea (14.6 thousand tons, +14%), Iraq (14.6 thousand tons, +4%), and Singapore (14.1 thousand tons, +20%).

Positive Outlook for Future Exports

Ricardo Santin, the president of ABPA, expressed optimism regarding the continued demand for Brazilian chicken meat. He noted, "China, the Philippines, and other markets have maintained a significant positive flow of imports of Brazilian products, reinforcing positive prospects regarding the behavior of these markets throughout the year." This sentiment reflects the confidence within the industry about sustaining and potentially increasing export volumes in the coming months.

Additionally, Santin highlighted the anticipated positive results from other markets, particularly Mexico. The recent renewal of Mexico’s food security program is expected to have a favorable impact on the purchase of Brazilian poultry products, further enhancing export potential.

Regional Contributions to Export Volumes

In terms of regional contributions, the state of Paraná continues to lead Brazil in chicken meat exports, with shipments totaling 180.7 thousand tons in January, representing an increase of 8.9% from the previous year. Following Paraná is Santa Catarina, which exported 94.2 thousand tons (up 3.9%), and Rio Grande do Sul, with 58.2 thousand tons (a 7.2% increase). São Paulo and Goiás also made notable contributions, exporting 26.1 thousand tons (up 11.2%) and 23.4 thousand tons (an increase of 21.1%), respectively.

This regional strength showcases Brazil’s diverse agricultural capabilities and the vital role of these states in meeting both domestic and international poultry demands.

Conclusion

The strong performance of Brazilian chicken meat exports in January 2025 is a testament to the resilience and competitiveness of the country’s poultry industry. With robust growth in both volume and revenue, alongside a positive outlook for continued demand from key markets, Brazil is poised to maintain its status as a significant player in the global poultry landscape. The collaborative efforts of producers, exporters, and government entities will be essential in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving international marketplace.

As the year progresses, stakeholders in the Brazilian poultry sector will be keenly monitoring market trends, consumer preferences, and geopolitical dynamics that could impact future export activities. The combination of strategic planning and adaptability will be crucial in ensuring sustainable growth and success in the coming months.