China Bans Brazilian Poultry Imports Namibia Partially Lifts Regional Ban

Following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, H5N1, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, Namibia has partially lifted its ban on poultry imports, restricting it now solely to that state while allowing imports from other Brazilian states to continue. Importers to Namibia must apply for new veterinary permits, and poultry meat from Rio Grande do Sul packaged before mid-April is permitted entry. In contrast, China has imposed a nationwide ban on all poultry and related products from Brazil, rejecting Brazil's request to limit the ban to the affected city. This broader Chinese embargo, announced by the General Administration of Customs, includes returning or destroying illegally imported products and strict treatment of animal and plant waste from inbound shipments. Other major importers such as the European Union, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have also restricted Brazilian poultry imports, mainly with state-level bans. The outbreak and resulting trade restrictions pose significant challenges for Brazil, the world's largest poultry exporter, which exported $10 billion in chicken meat in 2024 and is heavily reliant on key markets like China.