China Commits to Certified Zero-Deforestation Brazilian Beef

Chinese beef traders have initiated an agreement to purchase beef from Brazil that is certified to avoid illegal forest clearing. The certification, known as Beef on Track, is developed by Imaflora and represents a first for Brazilian beef. China stands as Brazil’s primary trading partner and the largest buyer of its beef.

The certification system assesses Brazil’s beef supply chains into four distinct categories. This system ensures they are devoid of illegal deforestation, activities in protected or Indigenous areas, and slave-like labor conditions. In 2025, Brazil exported 3.1 million tons of beef to China, equating to $8.8 billion, based on data from the Brazilian government.

The Tianjin Meat Association, representing major Chinese meat importers, embraced this certification system starting in October. They have initially agreed to acquire at least 50,000 tons of certified beef this year. As of Wednesday, companies will begin auditing imports alongside a Chinese certification firm to deliver zero-deforestation labeled beef to the Chinese market.

Marina Guyot, director of climate and zero deforestation at Imaflora, suggests that while this certification might seem niche initially, it holds potential to expand and separate cattle ranching from deforestation issues. “The aim is to foster a positive tool beyond enforcement, offering a market mechanism that recognizes and scales the efforts of producers,” said Guyot.

Brazil leads as the world’s largest beef producer, contributing around 20% of global output. However, the expansion of cattle ranching has resulted in significant environmental effects, especially since the 1980s. Pasture growth led to deforestation, particularly in the Amazon, where 40% of the nation’s pastureland exists. This vast rainforest is crucial in global climate regulation.

Deforestation in the Amazon decreased after peaking in previous decades but increased during former President Jair Bolsonaro’s term from 2019-2022. Bolsonaro’s administration faced criticism for weakening environmental safeguards. Current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has committed to halting deforestation by 2030. Strengthened enforcement has helped reduce forest loss by 50% in the last four years.

Since 2009, Brazilian authorities and prominent meatpackers have obligated companies to account for deforestation-linked suppliers. In 2023, the federal government began creating a national certification system to monitor social and environmental impacts across supply chains, enhancing prior initiatives through the Beef on Track certification.

Raoni Rajão, a professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, highlighted the effectiveness of import verification. He drew a parallel to Paraguay’s 2024 initiative to verify if cars imported from Brazil were stolen, which reduced border theft. Rajão noted, “Why not adopt a similar approach for illegal deforestation?” He questioned the value of fines without buyer support.

The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association monitors these certification initiatives while advocating for a harmonious integration with existing systems to avoid bottlenecks. “Global market dynamics already drive significant advances in Brazil’s cattle sector sustainability,” stated the association.