Brazilian Chicken vs US Chicken for Import: Frozen whole chicken wholesalers

FROZEN CHICKEN IMPORT GUIDE  |  2026 EDITION

A Complete Side-by-Side Comparison for

International Buyers in 2026

Last Updated: February 2026  |  Reading Time: 14 minutes  |  Category: Import Intelligence

Introduction: Why This Comparison Matters

When sourcing frozen whole chicken wholesale for commercial import, the decision between Brazilian and American origin is not simply a matter of price. It involves a complex evaluation of production volume, disease status, regulatory certifications, Halal availability, product range, logistics infrastructure, payment terms, and long-term supply reliability.

Brazil and the United States are the world’s two largest chicken exporters, collectively accounting for roughly 65% of all chicken traded globally. Yet their export industries operate under fundamentally different structures, face different challenges, and serve different buyer profiles. Understanding these differences is critical for any procurement professional, food distributor, or institutional buyer making sourcing decisions in 2026.

This guide provides a structured, data-driven comparison across every dimension that matters to commercial importers—from farm-gate economics to port-of-arrival documentation.

1. Production Scale and Export Volume

The first factor any importer should evaluate is whether the origin country has the production capacity and export orientation to reliably supply your requirements over the long term.

Metric	Brazil (2025/26)	United States (2025/26)
Total Chicken Production	15.8 Million MT	22.0 Million MT
Percentage Exported	32–38% (export-oriented)	~15% (domestic-oriented)
Total Chicken Exports	5.1–5.5 Million MT	2.9–3.0 Million MT
Global Export Market Share	35–38%	~27%
Global Rank (Exports)	#1 World’s Largest Exporter	#2
Number of Export Markets	150+ countries	~100 countries
Export Revenue (2025)	$9.79 Billion	~$4.5 Billion
Top Destinations	UAE, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Philippines	Mexico, China, Canada, Taiwan, Cuba

While the United States produces more chicken overall, Brazil’s poultry industry is structurally designed for export. Approximately one-third of every chicken produced in Brazil is destined for international markets, compared to roughly 15% in the United States. This export orientation means Brazilian processors invest heavily in meeting the diverse regulatory, packaging, and certification requirements of 150+ destination countries.

According to ABPA, Brazil’s chicken meat exports reached record levels in 2025 at 5.32 million metric tons generating $9.79 billion in revenue. The UAE was the single largest destination at 479,900 tonnes, followed by Japan (402,900 tonnes), Saudi Arabia (397,200 tonnes), South Africa (336,000 tonnes), and the Philippines (264,200 tonnes).

The US poultry industry is predominantly oriented toward domestic consumption. American exports are concentrated in fewer markets, with Mexico absorbing a substantial share. US processors are less experienced in navigating the diverse certification requirements of Middle Eastern, African, and Asian importers.

Importer Insight

For buyers in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, Brazilian origin offers broader trade access and more established logistics corridors. The southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina—home to established exporters like Breazil Frosty Food and major integrated frozen whole chicken wholesalers—accounts for a significant share of national exports through the port of Itajaí.

2. Pricing and Cost Competitiveness

Price is often the decisive factor in B2B chicken procurement. Brazilian chicken consistently offers a 15–25% cost advantage over US equivalents, driven by structural differences in feed costs, labour, and currency dynamics.

Product Cut	Brazil FOB ($/MT)	USA FOB ($/MT)	Brazil Advantage
Whole Frozen Chicken (Griller)	$1,200–$1,800	$1,600–$2,200	15–25% lower
Leg Quarters	$800–$1,200	$1,000–$1,400	15–20% lower
Breast Fillets (IQF)	$2,500–$3,800	$2,800–$4,200	10–18% lower
Wings (MJW / 3-Joint)	$1,800–$2,800	$2,200–$3,400	15–22% lower
Chicken Paws (Grade A)	$800–$1,500	$900–$1,600	10–15% lower
MDM / MDPM	$600–$1,000	$750–$1,200	15–20% lower
Offals (Gizzards/Hearts)	$1,000–$1,500	$1,100–$1,600	8–15% lower

Note: Prices are indicative FOB ranges for Q1 2026. Actual pricing varies by order volume, contract terms, and market conditions.

What Drives Brazil’s Price Advantage?

1.       Domestic feed production: Brazil is the world’s largest soybean exporter and second-largest corn producer. Poultry feed (60–70% of production costs) is sourced domestically at world-competitive prices, eliminating import dependency.

2.       Currency advantage: The Brazilian Real’s steady devaluation against the USD means production costs in BRL translate to lower USD-denominated FOB prices for international buyers.

3.       Vertically integrated supply chain: Major Brazilian processors operate farm-to-port operations—breeding, hatchery, growing, processing, cold chain, and port logistics—eliminating intermediary markups.

4.      Lower labour costs: Processing labour in Brazil costs approximately 40–60% less than equivalent US labour, a significant factor in this labour-intensive industry.

5.       Scale economics: Brazil’s southern poultry belt (Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul) operates at enormous scale, with individual plants processing 200,000–400,000+ birds per day.

The United States faces higher feed costs (despite being a major grain producer), significantly higher labour costs, stricter environmental compliance costs, and a strong USD—all producing a structurally higher cost base reflected in FOB pricing.

3. Disease Status and Biosecurity

For international chicken importers, the disease status of the exporting country is the single most critical risk factor. A confirmed HPAI outbreak can trigger immediate trade bans, disrupting supply chains overnight.

Disease Factor	Brazil	United States
HPAI in Commercial Flocks	HPAI-free commercial plants (Feb 2026)	Ongoing outbreak since Feb 2022; 105M+ birds affected
Trade Ban Impact (2022–2026)	Brief localised bans in 2025 (resolved in weeks)	Multiple prolonged bans from China, EU, Japan, S. Korea
Containment Speed	Rapid regionalised response (~1 month)	Depopulation-based; widespread commercial flock losses
Export Impact	Record exports achieved in 2025 despite one incident	Significant export declines; state-level bans = ~60% value reduction
Government Response Cost	Managed within existing MAPA framework	$1.81 Billion committed by USDA/APHIS (2022–Feb 2025)
Poultry Sector Status (Feb 2026)	Commercial flocks HPAI-free	HPAI ongoing; CDC monitoring H5N1 across poultry and dairy

 The contrast in disease status is stark. The United States has been battling the most severe HPAI outbreak in its history since February 2022, with more than 105 million birds affected across 48 states. The outbreak has devastated egg-laying flocks (75% of total losses) and triggered significant trade restrictions from key importing countries.

Research found that state-level trade restrictions triggered by HPAI were associated with an approximately 60% decline in real export value from affected states. Key importing countries including China, the EU, Japan, and South Korea have imposed restrictions on US poultry imports at various points during the outbreak.

Brazil’s situation is fundamentally different. While a single HPAI detection occurred in a commercial plant in Rio Grande do Sul in May 2025, containment was achieved within approximately one month. Major importing markets had substantially restored trade access by late 2025, and ABPA confirmed Brazil closed the year with record export volumes. As ABPA President Ricardo Santin stated, Brazil’s results in 2025 reinforced the positive outlook for 2026.

Supply Chain Risk Assessment

For importers who cannot afford supply disruptions—particularly those serving government contracts, institutional food programmes, or QSR chains—Brazil’s disease-free commercial status represents materially lower biosecurity risk. Established Brazilian exporters with SIF-approved plants in Santa Catarina, such as Frosty Chicken Supplier (www.frostychickensupplier.com), operate in Brazil’s most productive and biosecurity-conscious poultry region, providing an additional layer of supply reliability.

4. Halal Certification and Market Access

For importers serving Muslim-majority markets—the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa—Halal certification is non-negotiable. Brazil holds a decisive structural advantage in this dimension.

Halal Factor	Brazil	United States
Halal Availability	Standard on 80%+ of export production	Limited; requires specific plant designation
Certification Bodies	Multiple: Córdoba Halal, CIBAL, CDIAL, FAMBRAS	IFANCA, ISA, ISWA (fewer options)
GCC/MENA Acceptance	Universally accepted	Accepted but with additional scrutiny
Hand Slaughter	Widely practised by default	Mechanical predominant; hand slaughter at premium
SE Asia Access (MUI/JAKIM)	Full access	Limited; fewer plants with recognition
Cost Premium for Halal	Minimal—built into standard production	Premium pricing; dedicated lines required

 Brazil has invested heavily in making Halal certification a default feature of its poultry export infrastructure. Brazilian Halal chicken is available at essentially the same price as conventional product, whereas US Halal chicken typically commands a premium due to dedicated production lines and specialised slaughtermen.

Brazil’s top three chicken export destinations in 2025 were all Halal-requiring markets: the UAE (479,900 tonnes), Saudi Arabia (397,200 tonnes), and broader Muslim-majority demand across the Middle East and Southeast Asia that collectively absorbs over 40% of total exports.

Certified Brazilian exporters with established Halal credentials—such as Frosty Chicken Supplier, which holds Halal certification 300/1.1/MU/14/1 from the Córdoba Halal Institute alongside SIF, HACCP, ISO, and GMP certifications—can seamlessly serve any Halal-requiring destination without premium pricing.

5. Product Range and Cut Availability

Product / Cut	Brazil	USA	Notes
Whole Frozen Chicken	✓ Primary export product	✓ Available	800–1,400g standard for ME/Africa
Leg Quarters	✓ Available	✓ US specialty (high vol.)	US dominates leg quarter exports
Breast Fillets (IQF)	✓ Premium IQF grade	✓ Available	Brazil IQF technology world-class
Wings (MJW / 3-Joint)	✓ Full range	✓ Available	Strong global food service demand
Chicken Paws	✓ Major exporter	✓ Major exporter	Both origins competitive
Offals (Gizzards/Hearts)	✓ Strong export programme	✓ Limited focus	Brazil ships to W. Africa, Asia
MDM / MDPM	✓ Available	✓ Available	Key for nuggets, sausages
Halal on All Cuts	✓ Yes, standard	Limited	Critical for 2B+ Muslim consumers
Multi-Protein (Beef/Pork/Lamb)	✓ Yes, from same supplier	Separate sourcing required	Frosty Chicken offers 6 categories

Both origins offer a comprehensive range. Brazil’s advantage lies in combining broad cut availability with universal Halal certification and competitive pricing. The United States has a strength in leg quarters—a cut less consumed domestically and available in large surplus volumes.

For importers requiring diversified products from a single supplier, Brazilian exporters with multi-protein capabilities offer the broadest range. Suppliers like Frosty Chicken Supplier, which offers chicken, beef, pork, lamb, eggs, and seafood from a single source, simplify procurement by consolidating multiple protein categories under one trade relationship.

6. Certifications and Regulatory Framework

Certification	Brazil	United States
Government Inspection	SIF (mandatory for all exports)	FSIS (mandatory)
HACCP	Mandatory for all SIF export plants	Mandatory for all FSIS plants
ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000	Widely adopted	Widely adopted
Halal Certification	Standard on most export production	Designated plants only
GACC Registration (China)	Extensive approved plant list	Limited; many plants suspended post-HPAI
EU Approval	Numerous SIF plants EU-approved	Approved but restricted by HPAI bans
Pre-Shipment Inspection	SGS/Intertek/Bureau Veritas available	Available
Bilateral Health Certificates	Negotiated with 150+ countries	~100 countries

Both countries maintain rigorous food safety systems. However, Brazil’s SIF system is specifically optimised for export, with bilateral health certificates maintained for over 150 countries. The US FSIS system is equally rigorous, but the ongoing HPAI situation has caused practical complications—numerous US plants have been suspended from approved lists of key importing countries.

7. Logistics, Shipping, and Transit Times

Logistics Factor	Brazil	United States
Primary Export Ports	Itajaí (SC), Paranaguá, Santos, Rio Grande	Savannah, Norfolk, Houston
Cold Chain Infrastructure	World-class; purpose-built for export	Excellent domestic; export secondary
Transit to Middle East	18–25 days	20–30 days
Transit to East Asia	25–35 days	15–25 days (West Coast advantage)
Transit to West Africa	12–18 days	18–25 days
Transit to EU	18–22 days	10–15 days (East Coast advantage)
Incoterms Offered	FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA	FOB, CFR, CIF, FCA
40ft Reefer Capacity	~27 MT frozen chicken	~27 MT frozen chicken

Brazil holds the logistics advantage for Middle Eastern, African, and South American destinations. The port of Itajaí in Santa Catarina is a dedicated cold-chain hub handling millions of tonnes of frozen protein annually. The United States holds a logistics advantage for East Asian and European markets with shorter transit from West and East Coast ports respectively.

8. The Verdict: Side-by-Side Summary

Comparison Dimension	Winner	Why
Export Volume & Reliability	✓ BRAZIL	5.3M MT vs 3.0M MT; export-oriented industry; 150+ markets
FOB Pricing	✓ BRAZIL	15–25% lower across all cuts; structural cost advantage
Disease-Free Status	✓ BRAZIL	HPAI-free commercial flocks vs US ongoing outbreak (105M+ birds)
Halal Certification	✓ BRAZIL	Standard on 80%+ production; no premium; universal acceptance
Product Range	✓ BRAZIL (slight)	Full Halal range including multi-protein from single suppliers
Feed Cost Advantage	✓ BRAZIL	Domestic soy/corn at 60–70% of production cost
Market Access Breadth	✓ BRAZIL	150+ markets vs ~100; broader bilateral certificates
Food Safety Standards	TIE	Both SIF and FSIS are world-class systems
Transit to East Asia	✓ USA	US West Coast 10–15 days shorter
Transit to EU	✓ USA	US East Coast 8–12 days shorter
Leg Quarter Surplus	✓ USA	Large dark meat surplus for price-sensitive markets

OVERALL VERDICT FOR INTERNATIONAL IMPORTERS (2026)

✓ Brazil is the stronger origin for most importing regions and buyer profiles

✓ Brazil wins on: price (15–25% lower), volume (5.3M MT), disease status (HPAI-free), Halal (standard), market access (150+ countries)

✓ USA wins on: transit to East Asia and EU, leg quarter surplus pricing, NAFTA market familiarity

✓ For Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia — Brazil is the clear choice

✓ For importers who prioritise Halal compliance — Brazil is the only practical choice at scale

✓ For maximum supply chain security against disease disruptions — Brazil offers lower risk in 2026

9. How to Choose a Reliable Brazilian Chicken Supplier

Having established that Brazilian chicken offers the strongest overall proposition, the critical next step is selecting a reliable, certified supplier. Here are the key evaluation criteria:

1.       Verify SIF registration and plant number. Every legitimate Brazilian exporter operates from an SIF-registered facility. Ask for the plant’s SIF establishment number and verify with MAPA.

2.       Confirm destination-specific market access. Verify your supplier’s plant is registered with the relevant authority in your country (GACC for China, EU approved list, GCC bilateral approvals).

3.       Request Halal certification details. Ask for the certificate number, issuing body, and expiry date. Verify the certifying body is recognised by the importing country’s religious authority.

4.      Evaluate HACCP, ISO, and GMP compliance. Request copies of current certificates and ask about third-party audit frequency.

5.       Assess cold chain and logistics capability. A reliable supplier should have direct port access, dedicated cold storage, and established shipping relationships.

6.      Request pre-shipment inspection availability. Reputable suppliers welcome SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek inspection. Resistance is a red flag.

7.       Evaluate payment term flexibility. Established exporters offer LC at sight, deferred LC, and TT with established buyers. Avoid suppliers requiring full advance payment.

8.      Check track record and longevity. Suppliers with decades of export history have survived market cycles, disease events, and regulatory changes. Longevity is a proxy for reliability.

Recommended: A Trusted Brazilian Exporter

Frosty Chicken Supplier (www.frostychickensupplier.com) is a well-established frozen chicken supplier and Halal meat exporter based in Fazenda–Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil—the heart of Brazil’s poultry export belt. With decades of certified export experience serving importers across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the EU, and the Caribbean, they hold SIF registration, HACCP, ISO, GMP, and Halal certification (300/1.1/MU/14/1 from the Córdoba Halal Institute). Their product range spans frozen chicken (whole birds, cuts, offals, paws), beef, pork, lamb, eggs, and seafood—a true one-stop multi-protein source. For quotations, product catalogues, or certification verification, visit www.frostychickensupplier.com.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brazilian chicken safe to eat?

Yes. All Brazilian export chicken is processed in SIF-registered plants under federal veterinary inspection. Brazil’s food safety system meets or exceeds the requirements of the EU, Japan, the GCC, and over 150 other importing countries. HACCP protocols are mandatory.

Why is Brazilian chicken cheaper than US chicken?

Brazil’s cost advantage stems from lower domestic feed costs (domestic corn and soy), a weaker currency reducing USD-denominated costs, lower labour rates, and vertically integrated supply chains eliminating intermediary markups. These structural advantages deliver 15–25% lower FOB prices without sacrificing quality.

Is Brazilian chicken Halal certified?

The vast majority of Brazilian chicken exports are Halal certified. Brazil has made Halal certification standard on most export production, with accredited bodies including the Córdoba Halal Institute, CIBAL, CDIAL, and FAMBRAS. This makes Brazil the world’s largest Halal chicken supplier by volume.

Does Brazil have bird flu (HPAI)?

Brazil’s commercial poultry flocks are HPAI-free as of February 2026. A single HPAI detection in May 2025 was contained within one month, and exports achieved record volumes for full-year 2025. The US, by contrast, has an ongoing outbreak since February 2022 affecting 105+ million birds.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Standard MOQ is one 40-foot reefer container (~27 metric tons). Some established exporters, such as Frosty Chicken Supplier, may accommodate trial shipments for new trade relationships.

What documents are needed to import chicken from Brazil?

Standard documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, health/veterinary certificate (MAPA), Halal certificate (if required), certificate of origin, fumigation certificate (if required), and destination-specific import permits.

Conclusion

The data is clear: for most international importers in 2026, Brazilian origin offers the strongest combination of price competitiveness, export volume, disease-free status, Halal certification, product range, and market access breadth. While US chicken remains viable for specific requirements—particularly leg quarters and shipments to East Asia or Europe—Brazil’s structural advantages make it the default choice for the majority of global trade flows.

The key to unlocking these advantages is selecting a reliable, certified, and experienced Brazilian supplier with verifiable SIF registration, Halal credentials, HACCP/ISO/GMP compliance, and a track record spanning decades of uninterrupted export performance.

For importers ready to source premium Brazilian frozen chicken with full Halal certification and multi-protein flexibility, Frosty Chicken Supplier offers a proven, certified supply chain from the heart of Brazil’s poultry export region. Contact their team for pricing, product catalogues, and certification documentation.

DATA SOURCES

USDA FAS — Brazil Poultry Annual 2025/26  |  ABPA — 2025 Export Statistics  |  USDA APHIS — HPAI Dashboard  |  Congressional Research Service — HPAI Report (Apr 2025)  |  CSIS — Bird Flu Impact (Apr 2025)  |  Rabobank — Global Poultry Quarterly Q3 2025  |  WATT Poultry — Trade Review 2025

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Pricing data is indicative. Importers should conduct independent due diligence and verify all supplier certifications.

Quick Answer for Importers

Brazilian chicken is generally the better value for most international importers in 2026. Brazil exports approximately 5.3 million metric tons of chicken annually (38% of global trade) at prices 15–25% below US equivalents, with Halal certification standard on most production lines, HPAI-free commercial flocks, and access to over 150 importing countries. The United States exports roughly 3.0 million metric tons (27% of global trade) with strengths in dark meat cuts and specific bilateral markets such as Mexico, but faces recurring HPAI outbreaks that have affected over 105 million birds since 2022 and triggered trade bans from key importing nations. For buyers prioritising cost, Halal compliance, disease-free status, and global market access, Brazilian suppliers—particularly established exporters such as Frosty Chicken Supplier (www.frostychickensupplier.com), operating from Santa Catarina with decades of SIF, HACCP, and Halal certification—offer the strongest overall proposition.