SAO PAULO -- Brazil’s government said on Tuesday that China’s restrictions on poultry imports following an outbreak of Newcastle disease at a turkey farm in Santa Catarina will be limited to that state, easing concerns about broader trade disruptions. Analysts had flagged the scope and duration of China’s restrictions as key factors in assessing potential impacts on exporters, while noting that the outbreak was unlikely to cause lasting damage to the industry. According to meat lobby group ABPA, Brazil’s trade protocol with China provided for the suspension of poultry exports from the entire country until Chinese authorities could determine whether restrictions should apply nationwide, to the entire state, or to a limited area around the affected farm. “In China’s case, the restriction was limited to Santa Catarina following negotiations led by the Brazilian government. The Agriculture Ministry’s efforts helped prevent a suspension of imports from the entire national territory,” Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry said in a statement. In addition to China, Chile has imposed statewide restrictions, the ministry said, while Mexico suspended poultry imports from the entire country. The Mexican government said in a separate statement that the measure was taken to protect domestic poultry production, given that the country is free of Newcastle disease. Brazil, the world’s largest chicken meat exporter and home to major food processors, reported on Monday a case of the highly contagious viral disease affecting birds, similar to avian flu. Brazil last reported a Newcastle disease outbreak in July 2024 in Rio Grande do Sul state, which neighbors Santa Catarina. China maintained a statewide embargo until January 2026 following that outbreak. Santa Catarina accounts for around 15 per cent of Brazil’s poultry production. “The Agriculture Ministry remains in close contact with the sanitary authorities of importing countries, providing technical information on the outbreak and the control measures adopted, to ensure transparency and advance negotiations for the safe resumption of trade,” the ministry said. (Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Additional reporting by Isabel Teles; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
