By \u00d6zg\u00fcr Y\u00fccel Demir and Carlos Brown
\nA few days ago, in an article published by several media outlets, we celebrated the news
\nthat Argentine cattle producers were preparing for their first live cattle export following the
\nrepeal of the old Decree No. 322 of 1973. The measure, promoted by the current Argentine
\ngovernment to deregulate trade and encourage the free movement of goods, opened up an
\nimmense opportunity in a highly relevant market such as T\u00fcrkiye \u2014 the world\u2019s
\nsecond-largest live cattle importer.
\nHowever, the path is not yet clear. To consolidate this commercial flow, a series of technical
\nand sanitary obstacles still need to be urgently resolved to ensure that the opportunity does
\nnot fade away.
\nThe main and most complex obstacle lies in Argentina\u2019s sanitary status regarding
\nfoot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)
\nrecognizes Argentina as FMD-free but with two differentiated zones: Patagonia, which is
\nfree without vaccination, and the rest of the territory (central-northern regions), which is free
\nwith vaccination. The problem arises because 97% of Argentina\u2019s cattle herd is located in
\nthe vaccinated area, while T\u00fcrkiye has historically been very strict and has imposed
\nrestrictions on imports from regions with this status. This is no minor issue, since Patagonian
\nproducers \u2014 who are in the non-vaccinated zone \u2014 mainly supply the domestic market and
\nshow little interest in exports.
\nMeanwhile, T\u00fcrkiye has tightened its sanitary legislation since 2011, aligning it with
\nEuropean regulations. This implies more demanding conditions for imports from Argentina
\ncompared to other countries with preexisting agreements, such as Uruguay and Brazil.
\nIn addition to the sanitary challenge, there are several technical and bureaucratic barriers.
\nFirst and foremost, to export, it is essential to have a bilaterally agreed International
\nVeterinary Certificate (IVC), which currently does not exist between Argentina and T\u00fcrkiye
\nfor live cattle. Without this document \u2014 which must include all sanitary requirements of the
\ndestination country \u2014 no operation is possible.
\nAnother significant requirement is traceability. Turkish authorities consider it a deficiency
\nthat Argentine cattle are identified by herd and not individually. T\u00fcrkiye demands the
\nindividual marking of each animal, and although Argentina plans to begin electronic
\nindividual identification in 2026, this gap remains a barrier that must be addressed.
\nFinally, the Turkish market itself has a particular commercial dynamic. Although demand is
\nhuge and driven by cultural and religious factors linked to Halal meat, imports are
\nmanaged through quotas and tariffs. For 2024, an import quota of 600,000 head of cattle
\nfor fattening was established, managed centrally by the Meat and Milk Board (ESK), a
\nstate entity. This means that Turkish producers do not directly choose the animals; rather,
\nESK selects and distributes them, often prioritizing lower-cost sources such as Brazil and
\nUruguay.
\nWhile Argentina faces these challenges, its neighbors are already consolidated players in
\nthis market. Uruguay, which has exported live cattle since 2010, counts T\u00fcrkiye as its main
\ndestination and competes with high-quality genetics that justify its prices. Brazil, meanwhile,
\nhas doubled its exports and is positioning itself as a key player.
\nWe are aware that both Argentine and Turkish sanitary authorities are working to overcome
\nthese barriers. Likewise, from the Argentine-Turkish Chamber of Commerce, we are
\nsupporting this effort by holding meetings with Argentine producers and Turkish importers,
\ncreating the necessary links for both countries to move past these obstacles.
\nThe prospect of enabling live cattle trade from all regions of Argentina is a feasible scenario
\nin the short and medium term. We are convinced that Argentina can compete and establish
\nitself as a reliable supplier for T\u00fcrkiye. Resolving sanitary protocols, defining the IVC, and
\nreaching an agreement on traceability are essential steps to transform initial optimism into
\na concrete and mutually beneficial trade flow between both nations.
\nThe authors are President and Secretary General, respectively, of the Argentine-Turkish
\nChamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n