Argentina permits live cattle exports by plane after 50 year ban

The Argentine government authorized the export of live cattle by aircraft, ending a restriction that lasted more than 50 years.

This change follows the publication of Decree 133/2025 in February. Previously, the country only allowed the export of live animals for specific purposes like genetic improvement, while banning sales for slaughter and processing in foreign markets. The new regulations allow producers to send live cattle to international destinations for various commercial uses.

Federico Sturzenegger, the minister of Desregulación y Transformación del Estado, promoted the move as a way to create new opportunities for the national livestock production. The system utilizes the available capacity in cargo planes that enter Argentina with imports and return with empty space. Gabriel Carnevale of the consignataria Colombo and Colombo explained that these shipments typically involve small groups of 5 to 20 animals per operation.

While the move offers more tools for producers to reach global markets, industry representatives say the market is still in its early stages. Fernando Molinari of the Asociación Argentina de Exportadores de Ganado en Pie noted that small-scale air shipments differ greatly from massive maritime exports. Large-scale trade requires much more complex logistics, including specific infrastructure, sanitary certifications, and animal welfare standards to meet international requirements.