Jordan resumes poultry imports from Brazil after bird flu concerns eased

JORDAN – The government of Jordan has lifted its temporary ban on poultry imports from Brazil following confirmation that the South American country has contained its recent outbreak of avian influenza, a senior government official announced recently.

The decision, made by the Ministry of Agriculture, comes after Brazil declared its commercial poultry flocks free from bird flu on July 18; 28 days after its last reported case. The announcement signals a key step in Brazil’s efforts to regain its standing with global animal health bodies and resume full trade.

“We have officially lifted the suspension on poultry imports from Brazil,” said Musbah Tarawneh, Assistant Secretary-General for Livestock Affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture. “The epidemiological situation has improved, and Brazil is now complying with international standards.”

Jordan imposed the ban in mid-June after avian influenza was detected in Brazilian poultry flocks. The suspension covered live birds and non-heat-treated poultry products. 

Brazil is a major supplier of frozen chicken to Jordan, accounting for an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 tonnes annually, mostly destined for the restaurant industry.

“The ministry’s technical teams continue to closely monitor health developments in exporting countries,” Tarawneh told Al Mamlaka TV. “We will not hesitate to act swiftly if any future risk to public health or agriculture arises.”

Brazil, the world’s largest poultry exporter, sold US$10 billion worth of chicken meat last year, representing roughly 35% of global trade in the sector. Following the bird flu outbreak in May, several countries imposed varying degrees of import restrictions.

Mixed global response to brazilian poultry

While Jordan has now lifted its restrictions, other nations have responded differently. South Africa, for example, partially lifted its ban as early as June 19, limiting it to the affected state of Rio Grande do Sul. 

During the first five months of 2025, South Africa imported over 133,000 tonnes of Brazilian poultry, much of it Mechanically Separated Meat, a product with limited alternative destinations.

Japan, meanwhile, took a more targeted approach by temporarily banning poultry products from two municipalities, Santo Antônio da Barra in Goiás and Campinápolis in Mato Grosso, following the detection of the virus in subsistence birds. 

However, sources say the impact on Brazil’s overall export volumes is expected to be minimal, given that these areas account for just 9% of exports to Japan.

“We can easily reroute shipments from other facilities in major producing states like Paraná and Santa Catarina,” one source explained. “These municipalities contribute very little to the total export output.”

Brazil pushes for full international reinstatement

Brazilian authorities have launched a diplomatic push to convince key trade partners, including China and the European Union, to lift existing restrictions. 

During the recent BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Fávaro said, “We complied with all international protocols and swiftly controlled the outbreak. Now, we are requesting the recognition of Brazil as free of avian flu.”

The outbreak prompted China to enforce a nationwide ban, significantly impacting Brazil’s poultry sector, which had supplied nearly half of China’s chicken imports in 2024. The EU has also yet to lift its embargo, pending additional technical documentation.

Despite setbacks, Brazilian officials remain confident and has introduced strict biosecurity protocols to prevent future incidents.

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