Industry Trends
The UAE imported 44,200 tonnes of Brazilian chicken meat in August 2026, up 35.9% year on year, and Saudi Arabia took 35,100 tonnes, up 29.9%, according to ABPA. Brazil shipped 492,600 tonnes worldwide in the month, up 24.8%.
Rain-delayed harvests across the US Midwest have driven soybean premiums and soymeal futures to contract highs, while Europe reports the same feed-cost pressure after a hot, dry summer. Feed is the largest input cost in broiler production, and buyers of frozen chicken are being advised to price forward rather than wait for the spot market.
Saudi Arabia's SFDA has made a certificate of conformity mandatory for poultry shipped from Brazil since 1 April 2026, and it is separate from approval of the processing plant. It is the clearest sign yet that Gulf buyers must now treat Halal, labelling and conformity certification as distinct conditions of entry alongside the veterinary health certificate.
USDA expects EU chicken meat exports to fall 1.3% to about 1.75 million tonnes in 2027 as Brazilian suppliers, shut out of the EU since 3 September 2026, compete harder for African, Middle Eastern and other third markets. Buyers gain leverage, but access remains plant-by-plant and the EU decision can still change in November.
Marine fuel remains far above pre-conflict levels: the global average very low sulphur fuel oil price was US$901.50 per tonne on 17 September 2026 against US$543.50 on 27 February, and the Strait of Hormuz is still disrupted. For frozen poultry, fuel surcharges and longer transit times translate directly into landed cost.
USDA GAIN: China shipped 546,000 tonnes of chicken meat in Jan-May 2026, +51% year on year; exports forecast to keep growing into 2027
