Argentina Revives Livestock Exports After 52-Year Hiatus

While many countries are distancing themselves from transporting live animals by sea, one South American nation is preparing to rejoin the livestock export trade after a 52-year hiatus.

Argentina has lifted a ban on livestock exports that had been in place since 1973. This move is credited to the Javier Milii-led government, which supports an economic system based on free decision-making, open competition, respect for private property, and the constitutional rights ensuring the free flow of goods, services, and labor.

Already recognized as one of the world’s top exporters of frozen beef, Argentina’s Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Secretariat at the Ministry of Economy highlighted yesterday that the meat sector has become a key driver of the country’s economic growth.

In recent years, following a series of investigative reports into the industry, many countries have imposed significant restrictions on live animal shipping.

Currently, the global fleet of live livestock carriers numbers just over 100 vessels—many of which have been inactive for a period. The oldest active ship celebrated its 60th birthday last year, while the average age of these carriers now stands at a notably advanced 39 years.