China, Russia recognise Brazil as FMD-free, boosting pork, beef export opportunities
Recognition expected to expand Brazilian pork access to China and strengthen international confidence in the country’s animal health system
WORLD – China and Russia have officially recognised Brazil as free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) without vaccination, marking a major milestone for the country’s livestock sector and creating new opportunities for pork and beef exports.
The twin recognitions, announced within a week of each other, build on Brazil’s achievement of securing FMD-free status without vaccination from the World Organisation for Animal Health in May 2025. The status was attained after nearly six decades of nationwide vaccination campaigns that immunised an estimated 13 billion animals.
Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock said the recognition is expected to deliver immediate benefits to the pork industry, particularly in the Chinese market, which remains the country’s largest agricultural trading partner.
In 2025, China imported 159,200 tonnes of Brazilian pork worth approximately US$390 million. Officials believe the latest decision will significantly expand market access for pork processors beyond the southern state of Santa Catarina, which was previously the only Brazilian state authorised to export bone-in pork and external offal to China.
Expanded market access for Brazilian pork exporters
China announced its recognition on June 2 during an official visit to Beijing by Mauro Vieira. The decision by the General Administration of Customs of China concludes more than two decades of negotiations between the two countries.
The move will allow authorised slaughterhouses in additional Brazilian states to expand their export portfolios. Rio Grande do Sul is expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries, with eight pork processing plants already approved to supply the Chinese market.
Facilities in Mato Grosso and Goiás are also expected to benefit. Of the 19 Brazilian pork plants currently authorised to export to China, nine are located in Santa Catarina.
According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association, the expanded recognition could increase Brazilian pork exports to China by more than 40,000 tonnes annually.
ABPA president Ricardo Santin said the decision demonstrates China’s confidence in Brazil’s sanitary controls and creates favourable conditions for deeper trade relations amid growing global demand for safe and high-quality animal protein.
The recognition will also simplify exports of Brazilian wet-blue leather by eliminating the need for International Sanitary Certificates, thereby reducing administrative costs and export procedures.
Russia reinforces confidence in Brazil’s livestock sector
Russia formally recognised Brazil’s FMD-free status without vaccination on June 10 during an official mission by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The Brazilian delegation, led by Secretary for Trade and International Relations Luis Rua, held meetings in St. Petersburg, Kirovsk and Moscow to strengthen agricultural trade cooperation.
Although Russia is no longer among the largest importers of Brazilian pork, it remains an important destination for Brazilian meat exports. Prior to 2016, Russia accounted for up to 60% of Brazil’s pork exports.
Brazilian officials said Russia’s recognition strengthens the country’s position in future sanitary negotiations and reinforces international confidence in its veterinary and animal health systems.
The dual recognitions are expected to support Brazil’s long-term strategy to expand exports of pork, beef, and other animal products while consolidating its reputation as a reliable supplier of safe, high-quality protein to global markets.
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