China suspended imports of Argentine poultry products on August 20, 2025, five months after lifting a two-year ban, following Argentina’s export pause due to a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in a Buenos Aires commercial farm, as confirmed by Senasa.

Chickens are seen in a farm near Pergamino, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires in Argentina April 27, 2021.

The suspension, announced on a Chinese customs website, lacks details on duration or specific reasons. Senasa noted exports could resume after 28 days without new outbreaks, following slaughter, cleaning, and disinfection. China mainly imports chicken feet, wings, and bone-in pieces.

Pan Chenjun, Rabobank analyst in Hong Kong, said: “This decision may help support the prices of some poultry products as China has restricted imports from some major suppliers.” He added: “Its overall impact (on prices) is likely limited due to China's current surplus of poultry meat and the industry's ongoing financial struggles.” China’s poultry imports from January to July 2025 were 226,013 metric tons, down 2% from last year.

China also suspended poultry imports from Brazil since May and Spain in August due to avian flu. These measures aim to protect domestic poultry production.