Fifty years ago, on August 1, 1975, Brazil made its first official chicken meat export shipment to Kuwait—a move that would ignite its rise to becoming the world’s largest poultry exporter. Today, after a steady and strategic ascent, Brazil commands more than one-third of global chicken exports, solidifying its role as a trusted supplier across all continents.
A global export powerhouse
Since that inaugural shipment, Brazil has exported nearly 100 million tonnes of chicken meat to over 150 countries. In 2024 alone, it shipped approximately 4.9 million tonnes, generating nearly US $10 billion in revenue. The Poultry Site Projections for 2025 are even stronger—exports are expected to rise to around 5.2 million tonnes, supported by ongoing global demand, lower production costs, and favorable grain prices.
Halal market leadership
A large portion of Brazil’s poultry exports—over 2 million tonnes annually—are halal-certified, catering to Muslim consumers worldwide. Brazil now holds the title of the largest halal chicken exporter, working closely with certification bodies and religious authorities to meet tracing, health, and religious standards.
Top markets and resilience amid challenges
Key export destinations include China, the UAE, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the EU—markets that value Brazil’s high food safety standards and consistent quality. Despite disruptions—such as the temporary avian flu outbreak in 2025 that halted exports to China—companies like BRF demonstrated resilience by redirecting products and securing alternative markets, mitigating overall impact.
Strategic support and domestic strength
Brazil’s success is underpinned by strong government backing, with trade promotion efforts from ApexBrasil reinforcing its global image as a reliable supplier. Brazil also benefits from robust domestic production—estimated at 15.35 million tonnes in 2025, making it the second-largest producer after the U.S., while exports account for an impressive 31–35% of total global chicken trade.
Looking ahead
As Brazil approaches the 50-year mark, confidence remains high in its poultry industry’s trajectory. With its strategic partnerships, export diversification, halal market dominance, and strong domestic foundation, Brazil stands poised to continue shaping global protein supply for decades to come.
