Argentina repeals 1973 ban to resume livestock shipments

While much of the world is pushing back from carrying live animals by sea, one South American nation is gearing up to return to the livestock trades after a 52-year absence. 

Argentina has repealed a 1973 ban on livestock exports saying the decision was based the Javier Milii-led government policy to promote “an economic system based on free decisions, adopted in an area of free competition, with respect for private property and the constitutional principles of free circulation of goods, services, and labour.”

Argentina is already one of the world’s leading exporters of frozen beef with the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Secretariat of the Ministry of Economy stating yesterday that the meat sector has emerged as a pillar of the country’s economic growth.

In recent years, following a series of exposés into the industry, many nations have slapped significant restrictions on the livestock shipping business.

The global livestock export fleet has just over 100 vessels remaining – some of which have been idle for a while. The oldest ship still actively trading had its 60th birthday last year with the average age of the global livestock carrier fleet now a very ancient 39 years old.