China has officially lifted foot-and-mouth disease-related restrictions on northern Brazil and now recognizes the entire country as free of the disease, according to a notice released by Chinese customs authorities on Tuesday.

The decision represents a significant win for Brazil, the world's largest exporter of both beef and chicken. China remains Brazil's most important beef customer, accounting for more than half of the country's total beef exports last year.

Trade data show that China imported nearly $3 billion worth of Brazilian meat during the first quarter of this year alone, underscoring the importance of the trade relationship between the two countries.

Brazil has been seeking to expand its access to the Chinese market. During a visit to Beijing in late May, Brazilian Agriculture Minister André de Paula requested that China allocate unused beef import quotas from other countries to Brazilian exporters. However, Chinese authorities declined the proposal.

The removal of disease-related restrictions is expected to support Brazilian meat exporters by reducing trade barriers and strengthening confidence in Brazil's livestock health standards.

The move also comes after China dealt with its own foot-and-mouth disease outbreak earlier this year. In late March, Chinese authorities confirmed cases involving 219 cattle across two herds totaling more than 6,000 animals in the northwestern regions of Gansu and Xinjiang.

Following the outbreak, China implemented stricter border controls, accelerated vaccine approvals, and carried out culling and disinfection measures to contain the disease and prevent further spread.

With China recognizing all of Brazil as free from foot-and-mouth disease, analysts expect trade flows between the two countries to remain strong, providing additional support for Brazil's agricultural sector and helping China secure a stable supply of imported beef.