Chile has just hit pause on poultry imports from Argentina after officials confirmed a bird flu outbreak in Buenos Aires province.
The move, announced on Monday, August 24, by Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG), is the latest in a string of trade restrictions tied to avian influenza cases across South America.
SAG explained that the suspension is temporary but necessary to protect local agriculture and livestock. The agency clarified that it will still accept poultry shipments dated through August 4, but anything beyond that will not be cleared.
For Chile, a country that relies on both domestic production and regional imports to meet poultry demand, any disruption in the supply chain can spark ripple effects on chicken prices, egg markets, and food security.
This isn’t Argentina’s first brush with poultry export trouble this year. On August 20, China also suspended poultry imports from the country, just five months after Beijing had lifted a two-year ban. Now with Chile taking similar action, Argentina’s poultry industry faces mounting pressure on its export revenues.
Argentina is one of South America’s major poultry exporters, shipping to both regional neighbors and big global markets like China. But avian influenza outbreaks (commonly referred to as bird flu) often lead to swift trade restrictions, as importing countries work to shield their domestic flocks and food supply chains.
The outbreak in Buenos Aires province highlights just how vulnerable South America’s poultry industry is to animal health crises. With China and Chile both shutting their doors within a week, Argentina risks losing market confidence at a time when food export revenues are crucial for its economy.
For Chile, the decision shows how seriously authorities take disease prevention. Even though Argentina is a key trade partner, the health risks tied to bird flu, both to livestock and potentially humans, are enough to justify strict border measures.
Bird flu outbreaks have been popping up worldwide, with poultry industries from Europe to the U.S. facing massive culling operations over the past two years. South America has not been spared, and Argentina’s latest outbreak only reinforces the need for tighter biosecurity, better monitoring, and regional cooperation.
For now, Chilean consumers may not feel an immediate impact at supermarkets, since local producers still dominate the domestic market. But if outbreaks continue and more trade partners shut their doors to Argentine poultry, the ripple effects on pricing and supply could grow.
