Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) has confirmed that the country voluntarily suspended its poultry exports to China in March 2026 following new detections of avian influenza, clarifying that the decision originated domestically and not from a Chinese import ban.
The clarification comes after Chinese customs authorities announced on April 23, 2026, that they were prohibiting the entry of poultry and poultry products from Chile due to recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the South American nation. Chinese officials stated that any Chilean poultry products found at border checkpoints could be destroyed by local authorities as a biosecurity measure.
However, SAG emphasized in a public statement that Chile had already taken preventive action weeks earlier. “Chile self-suspended export certification for poultry products to international markets, including China, in immediate and full compliance with existing trade agreements,” the agency said, noting that the move was made transparently and in alignment with international health protocols.
According to SAG data confirmed in early April 2026, the country had recorded 20 avian influenza outbreaks since the beginning of the year, affecting more than 700,000 birds nationwide. Of these, 15 outbreaks occurred in backyard flocks, three in wild birds, and two in commercial poultry operations.
The suspension of exports to China marks a temporary disruption in what had develop into a significant trade relationship. Before the suspension, China was Chile’s third-largest market for poultry exports. In 2022, Chilean poultry shipments to China reached 29,000 tons, accounting for approximately 15% of the country’s total poultry export volume.
Chile had previously faced similar restrictions from China due to avian influenza concerns. Those earlier measures were lifted at the finish of 2024 after an 18-month hiatus, during which time Chile worked to strengthen its surveillance and reporting systems in accordance with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards.
Despite the current suspension, SAG reported that Chile has swiftly redirected its poultry exports to other international markets, maintaining confidence in the robustness of its animal health system. The agency reiterated that the suspension is a standard, precautionary measure designed to ensure transparency and prevent the potential spread of disease through trade channels.
Chinese authorities have not formally notified Chile of any plans to destroy poultry products already in transit or at border facilities, SAG noted, countering reports suggesting imminent confiscation or disposal of Chilean goods.
The situation remains under active monitoring by both national and international animal health agencies. Chile continues to report outbreak developments to WOAH and maintains open communication channels with trading partners, including China, to facilitate the safe resumption of trade once epidemiological conditions allow.
For ongoing updates on avian influenza status and trade regulations, stakeholders are advised to consult official bulletins from Chile’s SAG and the World Organisation for Animal Health.
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