China recognizes Brazilian territory as free from foot-and-mouth disease
The China government recognized the entire Brazilian territory as free from foot-and-mouth disease. The announcement took place this Tuesday, June 2, during a visit by the minister of Relações Exteriores, Mauro Vieira, to Pequim. The decision ends negotiations that lasted more than two decades.
The measure suspends bans related to the disease in the north of the country and paves the way for expanding beef and pork exports. China is the main destination for Brazilian agribusiness.
Decisão ends process of more than 20 years
Negotiations between Brasil and China on health issues began in the first decade of the 2000s. The previous status allowed exports only from specific regions, like Santa Catarina.
With the new recognition, Brasil gains additional credibility in the international market. Produtores and industries hope to increase the volume of shipments to the Asian country.
Administração Geral of Alfândegas of China formalized the decision in an official statement. The move comes at a time when China is facing its own health challenges with the disease.
Impacto in beef exports
Recognition allows the sale of products with greater added value, such as meat on the bone and offal. Até Now, these categories were facing restrictions in several states.
- Estados as Rio Grande of Sul and Mato Grosso now have immediate facilities to export these items
- Plantas already enabled in these locations gains new commercial momentum
- Possibilidade to enable new units in other regions of the country
- Redução of requirements for wet blue leather without specific health certificate
- Abertura to discuss expansion of current beef protocol
Brasil maintains the largest cattle herd in the world with high health status. The decision reinforces the country’s position as a reliable supplier.
Setor pig also celebrates advance
Associação Brasileira of Proteína Animal estimates a gain of more than 40 thousand tons per year in exports for China. The impact should focus on Santa Catarina, Rio Grande, Sul and Mato Grosso units.
ABPA highlighted that the recognition strengthens the commercial partnership between the two countries. The focus is on higher value products, such as pork offal.
Agricultura’s minister, André of Paula, followed recent discussions on Pequim. Ele treated the issue as a priority on the bilateral agenda.
Reação from industry associations
Abiec, which represents the meat exporting industries, celebrated the end of a long negotiation. The entity highlighted the joint effort of producers, veterinary services and governments.
The health surveillance and monitoring work over the years was fundamental to achieving the result. China represents more than half of Brazilian beef exports.
Especialistas from the sector see the decision as an opportunity to consolidate and expand presence in other demanding markets. Brasil was already recognized as free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination in a large part of the territory.
Perspectivas for Brazilian agribusiness
The announcement comes in a year of strong Chinese presence in Brasil’s agricultural imports. In 2025, sales to the Asian country exceeded US$50 billion.
Analistas point out that the unified health status facilitates new commercial negotiations. Temas such as biotechnology and fertilizers were also on the agenda of recent meetings.
Ministério of Agricultura and Pecuária and Ministério of Relações Exteriores acted in an integrated manner in the negotiations. The result is seen as a diplomatic and technical victory.
The expectation is that the recognition will generate positive effects on the income of rural producers and the creation of jobs throughout the production chain. Brasil continues to invest in agricultural defense to maintain the status it has achieved.
