Chicken Eggs Monthly Update (Brazil) 2026-02

In early 2026, São Paulo's poultry sector faces contrasting conditions between live chicken and egg markets. Live chicken prices dropped by 2.1% in February compared to January, reducing producers' purchasing power for key inputs like corn and soybean meal by 1.9% and 2.6%, respectively, marking the fourth consecutive month of decline. Despite this, strong Brazilian export performance has mitigated further price erosion. Conversely, egg prices have significantly increased, boosting producers' profitability and purchasing power against feed costs, particularly in Bastos, the main production hub. This recovery in the egg segment offers financial relief amid ongoing cost pressures, while live chicken producers remain cautious about price stability and demand trends that will shape market dynamics throughout 2026.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva assured at the Brazil-South Korea Business Forum in Seoul that Brazil is prepared to supply South Korea's demand for animal protein. Highlighting Brazil's robust agribusiness, he noted that the country slaughters 150,000 cattle and 25 million chickens daily, and produces 60 billion eggs annually. Lula emphasized Brazil's significant role in the global protein market, suggesting that even meat imported by the U.S. to Korea likely originates from Brazil. This statement underscores Brazil's capacity and readiness to support international protein consumption needs, particularly in South Korea.

The egg market has shown a notable recovery in February, with prices rising over 40% compared to January in some regions monitored by Cepea, breaking a five-month downward trend. This price increase is attributed to a balanced supply and demand dynamic, sustaining higher prices even as sales typically slow in the latter half of the month. Despite this rebound, egg prices remain over 30% lower than the same period last year. Market participants are now focusing on the Lent season starting February 18, anticipating increased demand as consumers turn to eggs as a protein alternative during the 40-day religious observance, which is expected to support continued price strength.

Chicken meat prices in Brazil have declined over the past three months, with the average wholesale price of frozen chicken in Greater São Paulo reaching R$7.00/kg by February 18, 2026, the lowest since August 2023 in real terms. Despite some stability in late February, price recovery is expected only in early March due to moderate liquidity and potential demand increases. Conversely, egg prices have rebounded after five months of decline, with some regions experiencing over 40% price increases in February compared to January, driven by supply-demand balance and the onset of Lent, which traditionally boosts egg consumption. However, egg prices remain over 30% lower than the same period in 2025. These price dynamics occur amid moderate inflation, with the Central Bank closely monitoring food price variations due to their impact on overall inflation and consumer purchasing power.

Between February 9 and 13, 2026, egg prices at Ceasa Curitiba hit the highest level of the year, with a box of 30 dozen extra white eggs trading at R$190, up from R$125 in early January. This price increase is attributed to seasonal factors including reduced national egg production in February, the resumption of institutional purchases such as school meals, and increased consumption during Lent from February 18 to April 2. Despite the rise, current prices remain 22.4% lower than the same period in 2025, when the box sold for R$245. Prices are expected to stabilize with a slight upward trend until the end of Lent in early April.