Brazil has marked the 50th anniversary of its first official chicken export, commemorating a milestone that began on August 1, 1975, with a shipment to Kuwait. This historic move laid the foundation for Brazil’s rise as the world’s largest chicken exporter, a position it has held through decades of steady growth and international trust, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA).
Since that first shipment, Brazil has exported nearly 100 million tons of chicken meat to over 150 countries. In 2024 alone, the nation exported 4.9 million tons, generating close to $10 billion in revenue. Key markets now include China, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union, showcasing Brazil’s reputation for quality, safety, and reliability in global poultry trade.
A major segment of Brazil’s poultry exports consists of halal products, with more than 2 million tons shipped annually to Muslim-majority countries. Brazil is currently the world’s largest exporter of halal chicken, maintaining close collaboration with religious authorities, certification agencies, and trading partners to ensure strict adherence to health, religious, and traceability standards.
ABPA President Ricardo Santin highlighted the importance of the sector’s commitment to scientific advancement, food safety, and integrated supply chains. He noted the role of strategic projects developed with ApexBrasil, which have strengthened Brazil’s image through trade fairs, promotional campaigns, and diplomatic engagement.
Santin reflected, “That August 1, 1975, wasn’t just the beginning of a trade. It was the starting point of a journey that helped Brazil establish itself as a strategic food supplier to the world. Half a century later, we remain committed to excellence and global food security.”
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