The author is a representative of the Uruguayan-African Chamber of Commerce in Mercosur and has worked as Argentina’s honorary ambassador at the BRICS+ International Forum of Municipalities.

The Argentine poultry industry celebrates a historic achievement: after two years and fourteen days of closure, China has reopened its doors to Argentine poultry meat exports. This announcement, made in March 2025 by a delegation from the Chinese Vice Ministry of Customs (GACC), marks a turning point for a sector that in 2024 produced 2.5 million tonnes of poultry meat and exported 213,000 tonnes to more than 60 destinations.

According to Carlos Sinesi, manager of the Center of Poultry Processing Companies (CEPA), “poultry meat exports to China represented until February 2023 approximately 35% of total exports, around 80,000 tonnes per year.” The reopening of this market, added to the openings of the Philippines and South Korea in January 2025, will significantly expand the portfolio of destinations and increase the volume of external sales.

China is the second largest consumer of poultry meat in the world, with a demand that exceeds 15 million tonnes per year. Until 2023, Brazil dominated this market with 40% of Chinese imports, followed by the United States and the European Union. Argentina, although with a smaller share, had managed to position itself as a reliable supplier before the suspension due to outbreaks of avian influenza.

The reopening was not easy. Sinesi explained that “it was a joint effort between the public and private sectors, where there were audit visits from the Chinese health service, consultations and exchanges of documentation, and visits to China by Argentine officials to accelerate the process.” This coordinated effort made it possible to overcome the sanitary barriers and regain access to a market that, according to sector projections, could generate a 30% increase in Argentine poultry meat exports.

The poultry industry is a pillar of the Argentine economy. According to CEPA data, it generates more than 68,000 direct jobs, 9,000 service jobs and approximately 8,500 indirect jobs. The reconquest of the Chinese market will not only strengthen these figures, but will also inject crucial foreign exchange for the country. Every 10,000 tonnes exported represents about US$20 million in revenue, which underlines the strategic importance of this sector.

In addition, the reopening of China comes at a key moment. In 2024, Argentina managed to maintain its poultry meat production stable at 2.5 million tonnes, despite a slight drop in slaughter (-0.17% compared to 2023). This data reflects an improvement in productive efficiency, with birds reaching a higher average weight at the time of slaughter.

Although the opportunities are vast, the challenges are not to be underestimated. Brazil, Argentina’s main competitor in the Chinese market, has significant advantages: industrial scale, low costs and consolidated trade agreements. The United States and the European Union are also strong players, with high value-added products and recognized quality standards.

Faced with this scenario, Argentina is committed to differentiating itself through:

• Health and quality: After overcoming the outbreaks of avian influenza, the country has strengthened its health protocols, a key factor in gaining confidence in demanding markets such as China.
• Efficient feeding: Access to local corn and soybeans, which represent 60% of the production cost, allows competitive pricing. In 2024, corn and soybean prices increased below inflation (+53.3% and +32.6%, respectively), which helped maintain the sector’s profitability.
• Market diversification: The opening of the Philippines and South Korea reduces dependence on a single destination and opens new opportunities in Asia, where chicken consumption is growing at a rate of 5% per year.

   To capitalize on these opportunities, the Argentine poultry sector is already in motion. Between May 17 and 21, 2025, several companies will participate in SIAL China, one of the most important food industry fairs worldwide. “The goal is to visit clients and make sales,” said Sinesi.

   Subsequently, a trade mission will be organized in the Philippines to promote Argentine chicken meat and establish direct contact with importers. These initiatives seek not only to recover lost ground, but also to explore new markets that allow sustained long-term growth.

   However, the path to sustained expansion requires investment and planning. Sinesi emphasized the need for “investments in technology, logistics and added value to compete on equal terms with the major global exporters.”

   The reopening of the Chinese poultry market is momentous news for Argentina. It not only revitalizes a key sector of the economy, but also reinforces the country’s position in the international food trade. With stable production, robust health protocols and a clear market diversification strategy, the Argentine poultry industry is ready to fly high.

   But success is not guaranteed. Competition is fierce, and only through a firm commitment to innovation, quality and efficiency can Argentina consolidate itself as a relevant player in the global poultry meat market. For now, the sector celebrates this first step and prepares for the challenges to come.