Mexico, Chile, Uruguay Suspend Poultry Imports from Brazil Amid Bird Flu Outbreak
Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have halted poultry imports from Brazil due to a confirmed bird flu outbreak. This leads to wider implications for Brazilian trade as other nations, including China and the EU, also implement bans. Brazilian authorities aim to manage the outbreak while maintaining food security, as Brazil is a major global poultry supplier.
In response to a confirmed bird flu outbreak in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have initiated a halt on poultry imports from the South American nation. On Saturday, officials revealed the suspension came after Brazil’s Agriculture and Livestock ministry reported the outbreak in commercial poultry. The virus was identified at a farm located in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, raising health and safety concerns.
Following the outbreak announcement, Brazil also experienced import bans from China and the European Union, escalating worries related to trade. Mexico’s National Service for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality promptly stated that it was temporarily halting imports of chicken meat, fertile eggs, live birds, and other poultry products—an action deemed necessary for precautionary reasons.
Luis Rua, secretary of international trade in Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed that both Chile and Uruguay joined in the suspension of poultry imports. This decision creates significant implications given Brazil’s status as a key player in global poultry production, contributing about 14% of the world’s chicken meat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Interestingly, in the United States, an egg shortage—stemming from a similar bird flu outbreak—has led to a surge in Brazilian egg exports, soaring over 1,000% from January to April 2025, compared to the same period last year.
In a proactive response to the outbreak, Brazilian officials have implemented a contingency plan aimed at not just eradicating the virus but also maintaining the industry’s productivity. They stress the importance of ensuring a steady supply and safeguarding food security for the population. Furthermore, the Agriculture ministry has kept communication open with the World Organization for Animal Health and other relevant ministries, including Health and the Environment.
Restrictions on poultry exports are aligned with agreements established with importing nations, which specify compliance with international health certificate requirements. Depending on the outbreak’s nature, the limits may affect the entire country or target specific areas within it.
Historically, Brazil has faced challenges with poultry exports related to sanitary concerns. For instance, a temporary ban by the European Union in 2018 on imports from 20 Brazilian plants due to salmonella worries prompted Brazil to appeal to the World Trade Organization.
In summary, Mexico, Chile, and Uruguay have halted poultry imports from Brazil following a confirmed avian influenza outbreak, with the situation causing wider trade implications as key markets react. Brazil, a leading global poultry exporter, is taking steps to manage the outbreak and ensure food supply security. The ongoing situation underscores the fragility of international trade in agricultural products amid health crises.
Original Source: apnews.com
