By ANBA

Saudi Arabia, UAE Lead Arab Purchases as China Reopens Market

São Paulo – Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were two of the leading importers of Brazilian chicken meat in October, according to data released on Friday (7) by Brazil’s chicken, pork lobby ABPA. The two Arab countries increased their purchases during a period when China reopened its market, which is expected to lead chicken exports to surpass 2024 levels, even though a case of avian flu was recorded in Brazil earlier this year.

According to ABPA data, South Africa was the top destination for chicken meat exports in October, with imports totaling 53,700 metric tons, an increase of 126.9% compared to the same month in 2024. It was followed by the UAE, with purchases of 40,900 tons, up 32% over the same period, by Saudi Arabia, which imported 36,600 tons—a volume 66.1% higher than in October 2024.

Year-to-Date Performance Shows Slight Decline Despite Strong October

Year-to-date exports total 4.378 million tons, a decrease of 0.1% compared to the period from January to October 2024. In terms of value, exports reached USD 8.03 billion, a drop of 1.8% from last year. In a statement, ABPA president Ricardo Santin said that October’s sales performance—the second-best in history for a single month, with 501,300 tons—almost closed the gap with 2024’s results, is likely to lead to an increase in shipments by the end of the year.

According to ABPA, China’s return as an export destination is expected to boost performance at the end of the year. The Asian country, along with several other international buyers, had suspended purchases of Brazilian chicken following an avian flu case reported in May. Brazil’s largest chicken meat exporting state is Paraná, followed by Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo, Goiás.

Original Article:

ANBA. (2025). Arabs import more chicken meat from Brazil. ANBA News Agency. https://anba.com.br/en/arabs-import-more-chicken-meat-from-brazil/