USDA | March 2026
11 March 2026
Brazil is cementing its position as a global powerhouse in the poultry industry, currently ranking as the world’s third-largest chicken meat producer and its leading exporter. According to the latest USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) reports, 2026 is projected to be a year of record-breaking growth, driven by improved production costs and resilient international demand.
The forecast for Brazilian chicken meat production in 2026 stands at 15.7 million metric tons (MMT), representing a two percent increase from 2025. The South region, comprising Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul, continues to anchor the industry, accounting for 57 percent of national production. This growth is fueled by a reduction in production costs, particularly feed. In January 2026, feed costs for chicken production were 8.6 percent lower than the previous year. As the world’s largest soybean producer and third-largest corn producer, Brazil maintains a competitive advantage in securing the primary ingredients for poultry feed.
Brazil is forecast to remain the world's largest exporter of chicken meat, with 2026 exports expected to reach nearly 5.2 MMT (excluding paws).
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) surpassed China in 2025 to become Brazil's top export destination. Japan and Saudi Arabia round out the top three markets.
The signing of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement in January 2026 is expected to facilitate increased exports to Europe through a new annual quota of 180,000 tons at zero tariff. Domestic consumption in Brazil is forecast to rise to 10.6 MMT in 2026, a one percent increase from 2025. Approximately 67 percent of all Brazilian chicken production is consumed within the country.
