Chinese customs officials announced Tuesday they have immediately suspended all poultry imports from Chile following the detection of avian influenza in the South American nation.
The import suspension takes effect right away and encompasses all chicken, turkey and other poultry products shipped from Chile, according to a statement from China’s customs authority. Officials said the measure is necessary to safeguard China’s domestic livestock sector and maintain biosecurity standards. Customs agents have been instructed to confiscate and destroy any Chilean poultry products that arrive at border crossings.
This marks the second time in recent years that China has halted Chilean poultry imports due to bird flu concerns. Trade between the two nations had only recently restarted in late 2024 following an 18-month ban that was also triggered by avian influenza. Prior to that suspension, Chile ranked as China’s third-biggest poultry supplier, shipping approximately 29,000 tons in 2022 – representing 15% of Chile’s total poultry export volume.
The new restrictions come as Chinese authorities have strengthened disease prevention measures at their borders. In late March, officials reported an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease affecting 219 head of cattle in China’s northwestern provinces.
