Brazil poultry sector eyes steady growth in 2026
Exports, consumption seen rising if bird flu avoided
26 January 2026
1 minute read
By: Brazil’s poultry market is expected to continue expanding in 2026, supported by higher exports, supply aligned with domestic and international demand, and favourable producer margins, according to Cepea.
The outlook, however, depends on the absence of new cases of avian influenza, particularly during peak migratory bird movements.
The Brazilian Animal Protein Association estimates per capita chicken consumption at 47.3 kg in 2026, up 1.2% from the previous year.
Brazil accounts for about one-third of global chicken meat exports and has maintained its leading position despite isolated trade restrictions linked to bird flu. Cepea researchers estimate exports could rise 2.4% in 2026, while chicken meat production is forecast to increase 3.8% from a year earlier to 14.73 million tonnes.
Achieving this growth will require strict sanitary controls, as outbreaks at commercial farms can trigger immediate trade bans by importing countries, as occurred in May 2025. Cepea points to the need for ongoing monitoring of the H5N1 virus, amid recent outbreaks in Europe, the United States and Japan associated with migratory bird flows.
Despite these risks, Brazil’s poultry sector benefits from a high level of biosecurity and strong technical and commercial capacity to respond to potential cases, a capability demonstrated during 2025.
