In order to reduce domestic meat prices and protect cattle resources, the Colombian government recently announced that it will suspend the export of live cattle. The move comes at a time when prices for basic foodstuffs are facing inflationary pressure, and Agriculture Minister Martha Carvajalino explained that the decision was aimed at safeguarding local supplies without disrupting existing trade contracts.

Colombia's Colombian newspaper reported on the 29th that the measure will focus on live cattle under two years old and cows used for breeding, which are regarded as the cornerstone of herd breeding and the sustainable development of the industry.

Cavahalino said: "This decision was made because we have monitored an increase in the export of such animals, which may weaken our domestic production capacity." She pointed out that a large number of young cattle between the ages of 1 and 2 years and cows used for breeding are exported overseas, which directly reduces the self-replenishment capacity of domestic herds.

Other data confirm that, partly driven by exchange rate factors, Colombian livestock exports reached US $25.034 million billion in January. However, this growth momentum has had a negative impact on the supply of cattle in the domestic market. The shortage of domestic supply puts upward pressure on prices, which are eventually passed on to end consumers.

In addition, Cavahalino pointed out that another reason for the increase in meat prices is the live cattle auction market. At these auction sites, the transaction price of live cattle has increased by as much as 19%.

Regarding the export restrictions, Cavaharino said that its core goal is to ensure that the herd can maintain an appropriate replenishment rate and bring prices in the auction market back to normal levels, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that meat can be sold to the public at more affordable prices.

Despite the restrictions, the government has made it clear that it will continue to honor existing trade contracts and ensure the rights and interests of exporters who have reached trade commitments during the implementation of new policies to protect the domestic market.

At the same time, the industry is also facing other difficulties, such as the challenges brought by the extensive livestock farming model, and the impact on production caused by severe weather conditions such as sudden rainfall at the beginning of the year.