The government of President Javier Milei in Argentina has given approval for the export of seven “popular cuts” of beef, which were previously prohibited from being sold abroad during Alberto Fernández’s administration. The National Agrifood Health and Quality Service (SENASA) has granted permission for the export of all beef cuts, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen.

Under Decree 911/21, implemented by Fernández in January 2022 and effective until December 31, 2023, exports of various beef cuts such as roast, vacuum, flank, skirt, matambre, tapa de asado, chump, and shoulder were halted. Additionally, the differentiation for the export of cows of categories D and E and bulls, known as “Chinese Cow,” has been eliminated.

SENASA has updated procedures and adapted veterinary inspection services and computer systems to facilitate the export of all types of beef cuts. This change, effective from Monday, includes modifications to the export certification system.

Historically, restricting beef exports has been a strategy employed by the government, particularly during Kirchnerism, to control domestic prices and ensure an adequate food supply for the Argentine people. The Fernández administration had imposed a ban on beef exports in May 2021, later implementing quotas and restrictions on specific cuts, with exemptions for exports to the United States and Israel for kosher cuts.

Before these restrictions, beef exports in 2020 had reached one million tons.