Brazil’s August Meat Exports Surge(Sep 18)

Brazil Chicken Exports Surge 24.8% in August, Ranking Second-Highest Single-Month Record; Pork Exports Grow 8%

According to data from the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), Brazil's chicken exports reached 492,634 tons in August this year, a 24.8% increase from 394,637 tons in the same period of 2025.

Revenue performance was particularly impressive: August export value reached USD 997.87 million, 42.7% higher than the same period last year (USD 699.458 million), ranking second only to May this year in ABPA's historical series, setting the second-highest single-month record.

Cumulative exports for January through August continued solid growth: export volume reached 3.921 million tons, up 15.5% from 3.395 million tons in the same period of 2025; cumulative export revenue was USD 7.689 billion, a year-over-year increase of 21.9% (compared to USD 6.308 billion in the same period last year).

China Becomes Largest Buyer of Brazilian Chicken in August

China became the largest buyer of Brazilian chicken in August: imports reached 50,988 tons, compared to only 83 tons in the same period of 2025 — when a single case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in a Brazilian commercial poultry farm, and related temporary suspension measures dragged down exports. This situation was swiftly resolved in the second half of last year.

Following China, other major markets were: the UAE at 44,279 tons, up 35.9%; the EU at 42,432 tons, surging 1,469.1% (similar to China, both from low bases); Japan at 41,795 tons, up 37.8%; Saudi Arabia at 35,195 tons, up 29.9%; and South Africa at 25,590 tons, down 0.8% compared to August 2025.

Export Performance by State

Parana state continued to lead in August, with exports reaching 200,585 tons, up 26.4% from 158,744 tons in the same period of 2025. It was followed by Santa Catarina at 105,993 tons, up 18.1% (from 89,763 tons last year); Rio Grande do Sul at 61,202 tons, up 38.7% (from 44,115 tons); Sao Paulo at 29,531 tons, up 20.3% (from 24,539 tons); and Goias at 24,836 tons, up 15.4% (from 21,515 tons).

ABPA President Commentary

ABPA President Ricardo explained: "The August data further confirms the recovery of exports and the resilience of Brazil's poultry industry. The significant year-over-year monthly increases — especially in markets like China and the EU — were achieved on low bases affected by temporary suspension measures following the 2025 avian influenza incident, which is now in the past. At the same time, the sustained cumulative growth throughout the year reflects strong international demand, diversification of export destinations, and market confidence in the quality and safety of Brazilian chicken. For the EU, demand was also high ahead of the temporary export suspension effective September 3."

Brazil Pork Exports Grow 8% in August

According to ABPA statistics, Brazil's pork exports reached 131,126 tons in August this year, an 8% increase from 121,469 tons in the same period of 2025. Revenue slightly declined: August export value was USD 289.898 million, compared to the same period last year. Asian countries continued to show rapid growth in pork imports from Brazil.