Saudi suspends poultry imports

How big is Impact on Indian poultry?

Saudi Arabia's Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a comprehensive temporary ban on imports of poultry meat and table eggs from 40 countries, including India, as a precautionary measure against highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) and other animal diseases. The decision, announced in late February 2026 and reported widely across global media, aims to protect public health and reinforce food safety standards in the domestic market.

Processed or heat-treated poultry products that meet specific health and safety criteria remain exempt from the restrictions. The move comes amid ongoing global concerns over bird flu outbreaks, with the SFDA periodically reviewing the list of affected countries. India joins nations such as China, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa, and others on the full ban list. Partial restrictions have also been applied to specific regions in 16 additional countries, including the United States, Australia, France, and Canada.

Udai Singh Bayas, President of the Indian Poultry Equipments and Manufacturers Association and Poultry India, downplayed the potential impact on India's poultry sector. He stated that the ban would have "no impact basically" because India's domestic production is sufficient to meet its consumption needs, with exports to the Middle East—including Saudi Arabia—remaining marginal. Bayas highlighted that India's primary poultry exports, particularly table eggs, originate from Tamil Nadu and amount to around 50 lakh (5 million) eggs per day.

However, he praised India's stringent biosecurity measures, stating that the government and farmers promptly contain any outbreaks through immediate responses and proper protocols. This makes India a relatively secure source for egg production, reducing the likelihood of widespread global backlash. Bayas suggested that the Indian government could play a more proactive role by intervening to build a robust export certification system.

Such measures, he argued, could help alleviate importer concerns about diseases and open larger markets for Indian poultry products. India, as the world's second-largest egg producer and a top player in chicken meat, has significant untapped export potential. While the government has focused on sectors like shrimp and fish, greater emphasis on poultry—supported by recent free trade agreements (FTAs)—could boost exports, enhance farmer livelihoods, and contribute to national GDP.

Overall, industry experts view the Saudi ban's effect on India as limited in the short term, given the modest share of exports to the Kingdom and the sector's strong domestic orientation. Stakeholders continue to advocate for enhanced government support in certification, compliance, and market diversification to strengthen India's position in global poultry trade.