Korea’s Beloved Chicken in Crisis – Brazil Halts Export, Prices Surge
South Korea faces a fried chicken crisis as Brazil halts exports and avian flu spreads locally. Discover how it affects prices, consumers, and food security.
Fried chicken is more than just food in South Korea—it’s a national treasure. It’s part of K-drama scenes, Friday night rituals, and even late-night delivery culture. So when the country faces a sudden chicken shortage, it doesn’t just impact menus—it hits at the heart of daily life.
That’s exactly what happened in May 2025, when Brazil, the top exporter of chicken to Korea, abruptly suspended its shipments. Combine that with a wave of avian influenza (AI) outbreaks in Korea, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a nationwide fried chicken crisis.
Let’s break down what’s happening, and why even your next bite of crispy goodness might cost more—or not come at all.
1. Brazil Hit the Brakes
Brazil supplies over 80% of the boneless frozen chicken used in Korea’s fast-food and franchise industry. In May, due to confirmed avian influenza cases within its own borders, Brazil voluntarily suspended exports to several countries, including South Korea. The pause was set for 60 days, but uncertainty lingers.
This move disrupted Korea’s supply chain overnight. For many franchises, particularly those relying on boneless chicken like tenders or nuggets, this meant scrambling for alternatives—or cutting menu items entirely.
2. AI Outbreaks at Home
While Brazil pulled back, Korea was facing its own avian crisis. Between January and April 2025, Korea reported over 26 cases of high-pathogenicity avian influenza. This led to emergency culling and a sharp decline in domestic chicken production.
Together, the two forces have squeezed the market, causing supply gaps, rising wholesale prices, and a chicken industry on edge.
3. Prices Are Peaking
In some regions, the price of chicken has risen by 15% to 20%. Boneless chicken products are especially affected. Delivery platforms are already showing price hikes, with some fried chicken sets hitting over 30,000 KRW (about $22 USD).
Restaurants are adjusting too. Some are switching to bone-in options, others are limiting operating hours due to lack of stock. Meanwhile, independent shops are struggling to compete with larger franchises that have better supply contracts.
4. Government Response
The Korean Ministry of Agriculture has rolled out measures, including:
- Boosting hatchery operations
- Releasing frozen reserves
- Supporting imports from alternative countries like the U.S. and Thailand
Still, most experts agree that full recovery may not come until after the summer.
5. Consumer Reaction: Switching, Sharing, or Skipping
Korean consumers are doing what they do best: adapting.
- Many are choosing bone-in chicken or local specialty menus
- Some are flocking to regional chains with stable supply
- Others are simply... eating less chicken
Social media, of course, has turned the shortage into a meme storm. "Chickenflation" is trending.
Q: Why did Brazil stop exporting chicken?
A: As a precaution after local AI cases, Brazil paused exports for at least 60 days.
Q: Can Korea just use local chicken instead?
A: It’s possible, but domestic supply can't fully cover the franchise-scale demand, especially for boneless cuts.
Q: When will the situation get better?
A: The government estimates some relief by late June or July 2025, but volatility may continue.
Conclusion: Beyond Food
This chicken shortage isn't just about crispy wings or late-night cravings. It reflects how fragile global food chains can be. One outbreak, one export pause, and suddenly a country’s comfort food becomes a luxury.
As Korea adapts, so does the world—reminded again that food security, even for fried chicken, is no joke.
Written for global readers by Sosan Daily – Sharing the taste of Korea, one story at a time.
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