Mexican poultry sector faces pressure from rising Brazilian imports

Mexican poultry producers are warning of significant economic risks due to a surge in boneless chicken breast imports from Brazil. Data from the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) shows that imports rose from approximately 90,000 tons in 2022 to over 196,000 tons in 2025, representing a 118% increase in just three years.

The National Union of Poultry Farmers (UNA) estimates that losses for the sector exceeded 27 billion pesos between August 2025 and August 2026. Lorenzo Martín, president of the UNA, noted that every 1,000 tons of imported breast meat results in the loss of roughly four million chickens and 280 jobs. The union expressed concern that these imports could impact rural employment, investment, and the broader economic development of farming communities.

Producers are also concerned that restrictions on Brazilian poultry imports by the European Union may cause products to be redirected toward the Mexican market. In response, the UNA has requested that the federal government eliminate tariff exemptions for Brazilian chicken breast and establish import quotas to protect domestic production and stability.