China has halted Argentine poultry imports just five months after lifting a previous two-year ban, according to a report from Reuters.
The suspension notice, published on a customs website, did not provide a reason for the decision or specify how long the ban would remain.
The move came shortly after Argentina’s animal health authority, SENASA, confirmed a new case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a commercial farm in Buenos Aires province on Tuesday. As a precaution, Argentina temporarily suspended poultry exports in line with international health regulations. The following day, China’s customs agency declared it would reject any poultry products originating from Argentina on or after August 20.
Beijing maintained a two-year ban after avian influenza was detected in Argentina’s commercial poultry flocks in 2023. Argentina regained access to the Chinese market in March 2025, marking a notable rebound for exporters who depend on Chinese demand for products such as chicken paws and wings.
Beijing has already halted poultry shipments from Brazil since May 30 and from Spain since August 7 due to avian influenza outbreaks in those countries. Brazil was China’s largest poultry supplier, while Spain also accounted for a substantial share.
With Argentina now joining the list, three of China’s key foreign poultry suppliers are facing restrictions simultaneously. Argentina typically exports nearly half of its poultry by-products to China, and losing access to the market creates challenges for exporters, as the specific cuts are hard to sell in other countries.
Argentina will be allowed to resume exports after completing culling and disinfection procedures, followed by a 28-day period with no new cases in commercial flocks.
China primarily imports poultry items like chicken feet, wings, and bone-in cuts. Chinese customs data shows that poultry imports between January and July totaled 226,013 metric tons, marking a 2% drop compared to the same timeframe last year.
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