Brazil has earned the reputation of being the largest poultry exporter in the world, surpassing the United States, China, and the European Union. Known for its quality, affordability, and strict compliance with international food safety and Halal standards, the Brazilian poultry industry has become the backbone of global meat supply.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the reasons why Brazil leads the world in poultry exports, exploring the history, production methods, global demand, trade statistics, and future outlook.
Why Brazil Leads the World in Poultry Exports: An Overview
The success of Brazilian poultry exports is no accident. It is the result of:
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Large-scale farming capacity.
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Favorable climate and abundant feed resources.
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Government and industry collaboration.
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Halal-certified production.
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Competitive pricing.
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Global trust in quality.
History of Poultry Export in Brazil
Brazil’s poultry industry started expanding in the 1970s, with modern farming practices introduced to meet growing domestic and international demand. By the 1990s, Brazil became one of the top exporters, and today it supplies over 150 countries.
Production Capacity: The Backbone of Poultry Exports
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Brazil produces 14+ million tons of chicken annually.
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Nearly 35% of this production is exported.
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Advanced poultry farms use automation, climate control, and disease-prevention technologies to ensure consistent supply and high quality.
Why Brazil Leads the World in Poultry Exports: Feed Advantage
One of Brazil’s biggest strengths is its feed supply.
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Brazil is the second-largest producer of soybeans and a major producer of corn, which are the two primary components of chicken feed.
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This lowers production costs, allowing Brazil to offer poultry at globally competitive prices.
Halal Certification: A Major Growth Driver
Over 70% of Brazil’s poultry exports are Halal-certified, making it the preferred supplier for Muslim-majority countries.
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Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Egypt heavily rely on Brazilian Halal chicken.
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Brazil’s strict compliance with Islamic slaughter practices makes it a trusted partner for the Middle East and North Africa.
Why Brazil Leads the World in Poultry Exports: Quality & Food Safety
Brazilian poultry is recognized worldwide for high quality and strict compliance with international regulations.
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Compliance with European Union veterinary standards.
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Certification from international health authorities.
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Strong disease monitoring systems.
This ensures that every shipment of frozen chicken is safe, fresh, and compliant.
Global Demand for Brazilian Poultry
Brazil exports to over 150 countries, with the largest buyers being:
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China – for affordable chicken supply.
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Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar) – for Halal-certified products.
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South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa – for affordable protein.
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Europe & Japan – for premium cuts like chicken breasts.
Market Trends in Brazilian Poultry Exports
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Sustainability Practices – Brazilian farms are adopting green technologies to reduce carbon footprint.
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Rising African Market Demand – Population growth in Africa drives chicken imports.
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Processed Poultry Growth – Increasing demand for frozen, marinated, and pre-cut chicken.
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Digital Poultry Trade – Online platforms simplify buyer-supplier connections.
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Logistics Expansion – Investments in shipping and cold storage infrastructure.
Price Advantage: Why Brazil Wins the Export Market
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Lower feed and labor costs.
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Economies of scale from large farms.
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Efficient export logistics.
This makes Brazilian poultry cheaper than U.S. or EU poultry, while maintaining equal or better quality.
Challenges in Poultry Export from Brazil
Even as Brazil leads the world in poultry exports, there are challenges:
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Trade barriers in Europe.
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Competition from the U.S. and Thailand.
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Disease outbreaks (avian influenza).
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Rising global shipping costs.
Why Brazil Leads the World in Poultry Exports: Government & Industry Collaboration
The Brazilian Chicken Producers and Exporters Association (ABPA) works closely with the government to:
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Expand global markets.
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Negotiate trade agreements.
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Promote Brazil as the most trusted poultry supplier.
Future Outlook: Why Brazil Will Stay on Top
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Global poultry consumption expected to rise by 15% in the next 5 years.
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Brazil’s feed advantage and Halal compliance will maintain its dominance.
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New opportunities in Asia and Africa will fuel growth.
Brazil leads the world in poultry exports because of its unique combination of feed availability, affordable prices, large-scale production, Halal certification, and global trust in quality. With demand rising across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, Brazil is set to continue dominating the global poultry trade for decades.