The Brazilian chicken meat sector begins 2026 with a favorable environment and the prospect of consolidating another year of good results. The gradual recovery of exports, after the avian flu outbreak that hit Rio Grande do Sul in 2025, reinforces this scenario. Although the country faced four months of restrictions, from May to August, the embargoes were lifted as it was proven that the outbreak was limited to a single commercial farm. In recent months, China and the European Union, which still maintained restrictions, also suspended the barriers, paving the way for the complete normalization of shipments in the short term.<\/p>\n
Regarding costs, 2026 begins with positive signs for feed. However, the delay in the arrival of rains in the Cerrado region has raised concerns about the planting of the second corn crop. Part of the crop may fall outside the ideal window, which could compromise productive potential and, depending on weather patterns, put pressure on cereal prices. Even so, the base scenario worked on by the sector continues to indicate manageable costs, sustaining comfortable margins for poultry farming.<\/p>\n
The supply, in turn, remains constrained by the global limitation of genetic material, a bottleneck that is not expected to be resolved immediately. This factor has slowed the pace of expansion, but it does not prevent growth. The projection is that national production will increase by 3% in 2025 and a further 2% in 2026. Exports are expected to remain stable this year, with a recovery anticipated from next year onwards.<\/p>\n
Even with the consistent improvement in market conditions, experts emphasize that the sector cannot abandon strict biosecurity measures. Preventing new outbreaks of avian influenza remains a key element in ensuring competitiveness, protecting access to international markets, and maintaining a balance between supply, demand, and prices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n