Brazilian poultry exporters have secured fresh access to Sudan, expanding their reach across Africa as the country’s chicken trade with the continent continues to grow and global market conditions reshape export strategies.
Sudan has approved imports of several poultry products from Brazil, including day-old chicks, hatching eggs, poultry meat, processed meat products, and offal, according to a joint statement issued by Brazil’s agriculture and foreign ministries.
The authorization gives Brazilian suppliers access to additional segments of the Sudanese poultry market, creating new opportunities for exporters seeking to strengthen their presence across Africa. Supporters within Sudan have noted that the decision will help bridge domestic chicken supply gaps and lower meat prices, while some local livestock groups have raised concerns regarding domestic competition.
The latest approval follows a series of market-opening developments for Brazil in 2026. Namibia authorized imports of Brazilian chicken offal on September 1, while Ethiopia approved 17 Brazilian products on April 7, including poultry meat, processed products, and offal. These developments reflect Brazil’s continued efforts to expand its poultry export destinations and build stronger commercial links with African countries.
Brazilian Chicken Exports to Africa Surpass One Million Tonnes
Africa has become an increasingly important destination for Brazilian poultry, with shipments reaching a record level in 2025.
Data from the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA) show that African countries imported 1.16 million tonnes of Brazilian chicken last year, representing a 20.3% increase compared with 2024. It was the first time exports to the continent exceeded one million tonnes.
The growth has been consistent over the past five years:
2021: 662,323 tonnes
2022: 721,756 tonnes
2023: 816,611 tonnes
2024: 965,699 tonnes
2025: 1.16 million tonnes (a 75.67% increase over the 2021 level)
South Africa remains Brazil’s largest poultry market on the continent. Angola, Libya, Ghana, Guinea, and Congo are also among its key African destinations. The opening of Sudan’s market adds another potential outlet for Brazilian poultry suppliers as demand and trade relationships continue to develop across the region.
European Restrictions Prompt Exporters to Seek Alternatives
Brazil’s push to expand in Africa comes amid changing access conditions in Europe.
In May 2026, the European Union removed Brazil from its list of countries authorized to export certain animal products, including poultry meat, to the bloc. The restriction took effect on September 3, following concerns over sanitary guarantees linked to antimicrobial use in livestock production.
The development has raised the prospect of Brazilian exporters redirecting some shipments towards alternative markets, including African countries traditionally supplied by European producers. In a September 14 report examining the outlook for Europe’s poultry market, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said the restriction could encourage Brazilian suppliers to pursue alternative destinations. The agency forecast that EU chicken meat exports would decline by 1.3% in 2027 to 1.75 million tonnes, amid increased competition from Brazil.
However, the European Commission announced on October 21 that it intended to propose restoring Brazilian poultry’s access to the EU market. The proposal remains subject to approval, leaving the future of the trade relationship uncertain.
Africa’s Role in Brazil’s Poultry Strategy Grows
The expansion of Brazilian poultry access across Africa comes as exporters navigate shifting regulations and competition in international markets.
Sudan’s approval, alongside the decisions taken by Namibia and Ethiopia, provides Brazilian suppliers with additional opportunities to reach African buyers. For African poultry markets, increased access to imported products could influence local supply and competition, although the effects will depend on domestic demand, import requirements, and the ability of suppliers to maintain consistent deliveries.
With African imports of Brazilian chicken already exceeding one million tonnes annually, the continent is becoming an increasingly important destination for Brazil’s poultry industry. The challenge for exporters will be to turn new market approvals into sustained trade while adapting to changing sanitary rules and competition across global markets.
