Argentine has gained access to the Indonesian market for beef and offal exports, thus expanding its supplier presence in one of Asia’s largest import markets. This opening comes at a time when the Asian country is seeking to diversify its supply sources and reduce its traditional dependence on Australia.
The authorization is the result of a sanitary agreement signed between the Argentine National Agri-Food Health and Quality Service (SENASA) and the Indonesian General Directorate of Animal and Livestock Health Services (DGLAHS), which allows Argentine exporters to comply with Indonesia’s import requirements. The agreement also covers Argentine dairy products.
With nearly 288 million inhabitants, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world. Furthermore, over 87% of the population is Muslim, making compliance with halal requirements for imported products essential.
With a cattle population estimated at less than 12 million head, the country relies heavily on imports of meat and dairy products to meet domestic demand.
Historically, most of the meat and offal imported by Indonesia came from Australia, both in the form of live cattle and processed meat. However, in recent years, Jakarta has broadened its supplier base.
In 2016, the Indonesian market was opened to frozen buffalo meat from India. In 2026, the Indonesian government also significantly increased quotas for beef from Brazil and granted duty-free access to beef from the United States through a bilateral trade agreement signed in February.
While the United States faces supply constraints due to its smaller cattle herd, Brazil has been rapidly gaining ground in this market. In the first half of this year, the country became the second-largest supplier of beef offal to Indonesia, with export volumes approaching those of Australia.
Now, Argentine joins this group of suppliers, reinforcing Indonesia’s strategy to diversify its imports.
The market opening follows a series of measures taken by President Javier Milei’s government to expand agricultural exports. At the end of 2024, Argentine ended a three-and-a-half-year ban on meat exports. Subsequently, in early 2025, it revoked a 52-year restriction on live cattle exports.
Negotiations with Indonesia began last year. In December 2025, Argentine and Indonesian authorities discussed sanitary and phytosanitary protocols, certification requirements, and compliance with the strict halal standards demanded by the local market.
Argentine is expected to export everything from frozen beef for the industry and various types of offal to higher value-added cuts for hotels, restaurants, and modern retail chains.
