diff --git a/python/build/libs.py b/python/build/libs.py
index 305bd7636..50f963d13 100644
--- a/python/build/libs.py
+++ b/python/build/libs.py
@@ -30,6 +30,9 @@ opus = AutotoolsProject(
     [
         '--disable-shared', '--enable-static',
     ],
+
+    # suppress "visibility default" from opus_defines.h
+    cppflags='-DOPUS_EXPORT=',
 )
 
 flac = AutotoolsProject(