China has banned the import of poultry and poultry-related products from Chile following a recent outbreak of bird flu in the South American country, according to a statement by Chinese customs authorities. The measure is set to take effect immediately, with the government linking the decision to protecting China’s livestock sector and strengthening biosecurity measures at the border.
The latest restriction follows earlier trade suspensions between the two countries over avian influenza. It also comes as China continues to tighten animal health controls after reporting unrelated livestock disease concerns within its own borders.
Immediate import shutdown
China’s customs agency said the ban applies to all poultry and related items originating from Chile. The restriction is designed to prevent the introduction of disease through cross-border trade and to reduce risks to domestic poultry production.
Enforcement at ports
Under the new rules, any poultry products from Chile found to be in violation of the import ban at border points will be confiscated and destroyed by customs. Officials framed the action as part of broader efforts to limit illegal or unverified shipments.
Past suspensions with Chile
China has previously suspended poultry imports from Chile due to bird flu. Trade resumed in late 2024 after an 18-month hiatus tied to avian influenza concerns. Before the earlier pause, Chile had been supplying China with poultry, and in 2022 exports were reported at around 29,000 tons—about 15% of Chile’s total poultry shipments.
Broader animal health controls
In addition to the bird flu-related decision, China has recently increased border controls as part of its broader disease prevention efforts. The government said it has responded to a foot-and-mouth disease event detected in cattle in its northwestern region, reinforcing its approach to veterinary surveillance and containment.
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