Argentina has imposed a 30-day ban on beef exports in an attempt to lower domestic prices.
Argentina has announced a snap 30-day ban on all beef exports and the decision is set to have ramifications for the trade globally, including a possible shortage of lean beef.
Independent analyst Simon Quilty said the ban appeared to be driven by upcoming national elections and a desire to lower domestic meat prices.
"[Argentina has] had soaring beef prices as well as inflation … so the government is feeling the pressure and there's a need to try and win back the voter," he said.
President Alberto Fernandez reportedly told a beef export association that "emergency measures" would be developed for the sector.
"The President expressed his concern over the sustained growth in domestic beef prices over the last few months," according to a statement reported by Bloomberg.
"[China] is their single largest market — in the month of March, they made up 22 per cent of that market share," Mr Quilty said.
