Argentina has lifted a 50-year ban on live cattle exports with President Javier Milei’s Decree 133/25, aiming to enhance market opportunities for the livestock sector. This shift is expected to benefit international trade with countries that require specific slaughter methods. Deregulation Minister Federico Sturzenegger emphasized the importance of accessing these markets and criticized past trade restrictions that limited export potential.
On Wednesday, Argentine President Javier Milei’s Decree 133/25 was published in the Official Gazette, officially ending a 50-year prohibition on live cattle exports. This ban, instituted in 1973 due to supply challenges, is now lifted under the Libertarian Government’s initiative, aiming to create new market opportunities for the nation’s livestock sector.
The international market for live cattle is substantial, with key players such as Australia, France, and Canada each exporting over $1 billion worth annually. In South America, Uruguay and Brazil have significant export figures, reporting 250,000 and 750,000 heads of cattle shipped each year, respectively. This decree opens the door for Argentine exports to regions requiring specific slaughter practices, including Turkey.
Deregulation Minister Federico Sturzenegger highlighted the importance of accessing these markets, stating, “Live cattle are also important because they are a product sought by societies that have particular slaughter methods (Turkey, for example, does not slaughter castrated animals). Excluding us from these markets for free is nonsense.” He further noted that discussions on the exchange rate have overlooked the extensive restrictions imposed on trade.
Sturzenegger also emphasized the need to address other restricted commodities like hides, coal, and scrap metal, arguing that these prohibitions hinder potential export opportunities. The removal of restrictions on live cattle presents a significant step toward enhancing Argentina’s trade capabilities
The recent repeal of Argentina’s ban on live cattle exports, enacted under Decree 133/25, marks a pivotal change for the country’s agriculture sector. This policy shift aims to tap into lucrative international markets while addressing the need for specific slaughter practices in various countries. By fostering trade opportunities, Argentina hopes to bolster its livestock industry and rectify the impact of previous restrictions on exports.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com