Argentine meat exports fall sharply as poultry shipments to Japan resume
Beef exports down 25% amid reduced demand from China; poultry ban lifted after avian flu suspension
ARGENTINA – Argentina’s beef exports dropped significantly in the first four months of 2025, reaching 195,700 metric tons and generating around US$964 million (US$).
This marked a 25% decline in volume and a 2% decrease in revenue compared to the same period last year.
In contrast, neighboring exporters showed stronger activity, with Brazil increasing shipments by 12.8% to 827,800 metric tons.
Paraguay recorded nearly a 20% rise, reaching 115,900 metric tons, while Uruguay maintained steady levels at 126,000 metric tons.
Although Argentina exported less beef overall, the average price per ton rose by more than 30% year-on-year, according to the Rosario Livestock Market (ROSGAN).
This price growth was evident across nearly all international markets.
China, Argentina’s largest beef customer, cut its purchases by 40%, though it still accounted for almost 60% of total shipments.
While the USDA projected a 2% increase in China’s total beef imports this year, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) reported an 11% drop in actual imports between January and April, totaling just over 890,000 metric tons.
Amid falling beef exports, Argentina is set to resume poultry and egg product shipments to Japan following a three-month suspension.
Japan initially blocked imports in February after detecting avian influenza in non-commercial backyard poultry.
Argentine authorities disputed the ban, citing international guidelines that only outbreaks in commercial flocks should affect a country’s export status.
Following diplomatic meetings and technical discussions in Tokyo in early May, Japan agreed to reopen its market to Argentine poultry.
The Argentine delegation, which included representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, also held trade talks in China and Indonesia during the same trip.
Meetings in China involved discussions with customs officials and trade authorities on beef safeguard reviews and the approval process for new export products.
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