Chicken Exports Banned for 60 Days Due to HPAI Outbreak
Most Boneless and Dakgangjeong Chicken in Korea Sourced from Brazil
Frozen Chicken Market Faces Inevitable Impact... U.S. Also on High Alert
Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, is suspending chicken exports to major destinations, including South Korea, for 60 days. The reason is the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Major international news outlets reported on May 16 (local time), citing a press release from Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply, that HPAI had been detected at a commercial poultry farm in Rio Grande do Sul state.
According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture, Brazil accounts for 14% of global chicken production. Last year alone, its chicken export value reached $10 billion (approximately 14 trillion won).
This is the first time that HPAI has been detected at a commercial poultry farm in Brazil. In particular, Rio Grande do Sul is a region where 60% of Brazil's chicken production is concentrated.
Boneless chicken, photo unrelated to the article
Brazilian authorities stated, "HPAI is not transmitted through the consumption of chicken meat or eggs. However, we are implementing emergency measures to maintain production capacity in this sector, ensure supply, and protect food security." They added, "Products that have passed inspection are safe, and there are no restrictions on consumption."
In addition, Carlos Favaro, Brazil's Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply, announced separately, "There is a protocol that requires a 60-day ban on chicken exports to South Korea, China, and the European Union (EU) in the event of an HPAI outbreak." He continued, "We have notified international organizations and Brazil's trading partners of the situation and are waiting for official responses from the relevant countries."
This measure is also expected to impact South Korea's frozen chicken market. While most bone-in chicken used by the domestic chicken industry is locally sourced, products such as boneless chicken for dishes like Dakgangjeong rely heavily on imports from Brazil. According to data from the Korea Meat Distribution and Export Association, last year South Korea imported 45,211 tons of chicken from Brazil, accounting for 88% of its total chicken imports of 51,147 tons.
In response, the South Korean government is seeking alternative import sources and is expected to notify Brazil of its decision regarding the scope and implementation of the import ban.
Besides South Korea, the United States is also on alert due to Brazil's decision. At the end of last year, the U.S. faced egg supply issues due to an avian influenza outbreak and began importing large quantities of eggs from Brazil. China has also decided to completely suspend imports of Brazilian chicken for 60 days.
However, Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply clarified that the chicken export ban could be lifted before the 60-day period ends. They also added, "Ultimately, the ban may only apply to Rio Grande do Sul, where the avian influenza outbreak occurred," and stated, "Given Brazil's importance as a global supplier, we do not expect trading partners to impose a complete ban on Brazilian chicken imports."
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