Argentina Approves Live Cattle Exports Amidst Surge in Beef Shipments

The Argentine government has lifted a ban on the export of live cattle for slaughter, a restriction that had been in place for over 50 years. 

This policy shift follows a record-breaking year for the country’s beef exports, which reached their highest level in a century. 

Argentina, renowned for its high-quality beef and traditional asado barbecue, is a major player in global agriculture, exporting significant quantities of processed soybeans, corn, and wheat. Revenue from agricultural exports remains a crucial source of foreign currency for the nation, helping to fund imports and service debts.  

In an announcement on Wednesday, the agriculture secretariat stated that the decision aims to foster "greater competition within the meat and livestock chain." This move aligns with President Javier Milei’s broader economic strategy to deregulate Argentina’s economy and stimulate growth. 

Earlier in the month, Milei’s administration also implemented a temporary five-month tax reduction on grain exports to encourage international sales. Additionally, in late 2023, the government lowered export duties on beef from 9% to 6.75%.  

Argentina’s beef exports surged by 10% last year, reaching just over 935,000 metric tons—the highest volume recorded in 100 years. This figure was just shy of the 981,000 metric tons exported in 1924. The country ships a variety of beef products, including chilled, frozen, and processed cuts, to a growing number of