South Korea’s food industry is bracing for potential chicken shortages after Brazil, which supplies over 80% of the country’s chicken imports, suspended exports due to a bird flu outbreak. The Brazilian government announced a 60-day ban on chicken exports, forcing South Korean authorities and businesses to seek alternative solutions to prevent market disruptions.
South Korea imported 158,000 tons of chicken from Brazil last year, accounting for 86% of its total chicken imports. Brazilian chicken makes up about 20% of the chicken consumed in South Korea annually. With the export suspension in place, government officials immediately met with domestic suppliers to assess current stockpiles and develop contingency plans. Major importers typically maintain two to three months’ worth of inventory, providing some buffer before shortages might occur.
The South Korean government is considering several measures to address the situation, including lifting production restrictions on hatching eggs, increasing domestic chicken farming, and finding alternative import sources such as Thailand and China. A government official explained they’re evaluating all options to maintain supply, including importing fertilized eggs for domestic production.
The export ban has particularly concerned South Korea’s thriving fried chicken industry, where many major chains rely on Brazilian imports for their boneless chicken products. Popular chains with hundreds of locations nationwide reported scrambling to secure alternative supplies, with some considering switching to domestic chicken. While some companies have stockpiles that could last two months, others expressed concerns about maintaining their current menus if the ban continues longer than expected.
The situation has already impacted financial markets, with shares of major South Korean poultry producers surging on expectations of increased domestic demand. Analysts warn that if the export suspension continues beyond the initial two-month period, consumers could face higher chicken prices and potential shortages in certain products. The government continues to monitor the situation closely while working with industry leaders to minimize disruption to South Korea’s food supply chain.
