GACC Finalizes Argentina Audit to Unlock Beef By-Products Export

Last week, a delegation from China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) visited Argentina, marking the final step toward enabling the country's formal export of beef by-products (e.g., offal) to China. The Argentine Beef Promotion Council (IPCVA) confirmed that all technical preparations are complete, with export licenses expected to be approved soon. Argentine meatpacking plants, eager to access this market, have long awaited regulatory clearance.

This visit aimed to audit slaughterhouses and laboratories under Argentina's National Agricultural Food Health and Quality Service (Senasa) to verify operational compliance, accelerating the signing of a long-negotiated sanitary protocol. For years, Argentina's beef by-products could only enter China through illicit channels, such as transshipments via Hong Kong. Formal approval will legitimize exports and boost product premiums.

Mario Ravaglia, IPCVA Vice President and head of the Argentine Meat Exporters Association (ABC), stated: "There is no justification for further delays. We’ve met all technical requirements, and over 50 plants are qualified to export." Ravaglia recently led delegations to Indonesia, Japan, and China to promote beef by-products—a product category with limited traction in Southeast Asia and Africa.

China, Argentina’s largest export market, represents untapped potential. ABC data shows 39,000 tons of beef by-products were exported in the first four months of 2025, generating $66 million. Ravaglia lamented: "Chinese consumers demand offal, but we can’t supply directly without the protocol." He emphasized IPCVA’s full compliance, adding, "We’ve done everything required."

Industry urgency stems from worsening trade imbalances. In Q1 2025, meatpacking exports fell 25%, with slaughter volumes down 10% (210,000 cattle). Competitors like Brazil and Australia captured premium markets. Argentina’s structural challenges include:

• Cost pressures: Local cattle prices ($5/kg) are 25% higher than Brazil’s due to:
  • 100% surges in USD-denominated taxes/services.
  • 15% labor cost hikes.
  • 15% exchange rate depreciation.

While beef by-products exports won’t fully resolve these issues, they offer a lifeline. In April, mixed by-products (offal, tongue, tail) averaged $1,730/ton,withtonguescommandingover$3,000/ton FOB. Ravaglia conceded: "Some trimmings may still end up burned," but formal access could mitigate losses.

The audit concludes years of negotiations, with the protocol’s implementation now pending final approvals. Industry stakeholders await a breakthrough that could reshape Argentina’s meat trade dynamics.