Oman's new poultry rules may limit suppliers, lift prices: market participants

Oman's new approval requirements for imported poultry could tighten supply and keep prices elevated, as market participants said only a limited number of Brazilian producers can meet the requirement for poultry to come from birds raised on 100% green feed.

Oman imported 23,537 mt of poultry during the first six months of 2026, up 25.5% from 18,755 mt in the same period of 2025, according to trade data reviewed by Platts, part of S&P Global Energy. Brazil supplied 20,477 mt during the period, up 49.5% year on year, and accounted for about 87% of Oman's total poultry imports.

A document seen by Platts outlining the "Requirements for the Approval of an Animal Establishment" asks companies seeking to export animal products to Oman to obtain approval from the relevant authority and submit detailed profiles of both the exporting establishment and the Omani importer. Market participants said the plant approval process is being implemented alongside the 100% green feed requirement. The feed condition was not specified in the approval document reviewed by Platts and is only attributed to industry sources.

Market participants say only select suppliers can meet the 100% green-feed specification, which means much of Brazil's existing export supply may not qualify immediately.

"They are requesting that all plants need to be registered," one Middle East-based trader said. "They also need to supply only green-fed products."

The trader added that the registration process itself was manageable, but the feed specification would be the main constraint.

"The market will be short of products there," the trader said. "Only a few suppliers can meet this."

The trader said mixing conventional and green feed would not satisfy the requirement, with poultry needing to be "100% green-fed."

Exporters are required to provide information on production capacity, farm-level biosecurity, epidemiological surveillance, antimicrobial monitoring, government registrations, quality certificates and international food-safety accreditations. Importers must also submit details covering infrastructure, storage facilities, commercial activities and the intended purpose of imports.

Chicken shawarma offers for Oman were heard at $2,900-$3,000/mt CFR, while another market indication was reported around $2,800/mt. Participants said the premium reflected higher production costs and the limited number of suppliers able to meet the specification.

"It's higher because of the feed," the participant said when asked about elevated offer levels into Oman.

The immediate impact is expected to remain concentrated in Oman, as buyers in the UAE and other Gulf markets can continue sourcing poultry produced under conventional feed programs.

Market participants said prices into Oman could remain supported until more establishments are approved or additional Brazilian suppliers develop compliant production programs.