August 25, 2025
China halts Argentina's poultry imports just five months after lifting ban
China has suspended imports of poultry products from Argentina beginning August 20, just five months after lifting a two-year ban.
The ban came after the Argentine government temporarily halted shipments of poultry products due to the detection of avian flu in a commercial farm.
The notice of suspension, which was posted on a Chinese customs website, did not state a reason for the move or how long the suspension might stay in place.
Customs authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
However, this week Argentina's National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (Senasa) confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the province of Buenos Aires, leading to the temporary halt in exports.
Senasa said that exports would resume if no further outbreaks were detected in commercial establishments following 28 days of slaughter, cleaning, and disinfection.
China mainly imports poultry products such as chicken feet, chicken wings, and bone-in chicken pieces.
"This decision may help support the prices of some poultry products as China has restricted imports from some major suppliers," said Pan Chenjun, a senior animal protein analyst at Rabobank in Hong Kong.
"However, its overall impact (on prices) is likely limited due to China's current surplus of poultry meat and the industry's ongoing financial struggles."
China's poultry meat imports from January to July totalled 226,013 metric tons, down 2% compared to the same period last year, customs data shows.
Beijing has also suspended poultry and related imports from its largest supplier, Brazil, since May and imports from Spain this month, with authorities noting bird flu outbreaks in both countries.
- Reuters
