Argentine farmers' groups threaten to step up protests against beef export ban

On May 29, Argentina's rural producers threatened to step up their protests unless the government lifts a meat export ban, an emergency measure taken in an attempt to bolster domestic supply amid runaway inflation.

Reuters reports that farmers in the South American country have halted domestic livestock trading in protest of the ban. Argentina is a major exporter of grains, including soybeans, corn and wheat, and one of the world's largest exporters of beef.

The administration of centre-left Peronist President Alberto Fernández banned meat exports earlier this month for a 30-day period to lower domestic food prices amid a prolonged economic crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic .

The move has created a standoff between the government and the country's powerful agricultural sector, which dominates exports, which is key to attracting much-needed foreign exchange.

Producers have already extended the suspension of livestock trading until next Wednesday after receiving no response from the government.  

“The decision to extend the suspension of trade was actually due to the fact that we did not have any response or decision from the national government to resume meat exports, which we asked for,” said Jorge Chemes, president of the Argentine Rural Confederations (CRA).

Argentina has been in recession since 2018, with poverty rising to 42% at the end of last year, inflation approaching 50%, and COVID-19 cases on the rise again.

The country has increased beef exports in recent years, especially to China, a major buyer that the current government accuses of pushing up domestic prices.