HS Code:
The 'For immediate slaughter' category, typically classified under HS Code 0102 (live bovine animals) or similar subcategories, includes live animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats that are exported or imported specifically for slaughter purposes. This category is a critical segment of the global meat supply chain, driven by demand for fresh meat products, regional production capacities, and trade agreements. Trade in this category is influenced by factors such as animal health regulations, cultural preferences for fresh slaughter, and economic conditions affecting meat processing industries.
Total Trade Volume
USD 5.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 1.1 billion
21.2% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 900 million
17.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 750 million
14.4% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 600 million
11.5% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
USD 500 million
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
8.5%
Highest Rate
25% (applied by certain Middle Eastern countries for protective measures)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal trade)
Rising demand in Middle Eastern markets
Increased exports from countries like Australia and Brazil to meet demand for halal slaughter during religious festivals such as Eid al-Adha.
2021-2022
Shift towards processed meat trade
Some countries are reducing live animal imports in favor of frozen or processed meat due to animal welfare concerns and logistical challenges.
2020-2022
Stricter animal welfare regulations
New regulations in importing countries are increasing compliance costs for exporters, potentially reducing trade volumes in the short term.
2022
Australia signed a new trade deal with several Middle Eastern countries, reducing tariffs on live animals for slaughter and increasing export quotas.
March 2023
Expected to boost Australian exports by 15% in the next two years, strengthening its position as a leading exporter.
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the transport of live animals for slaughter, including limits on transport duration and conditions.
January 2023
Likely to reduce intra-EU trade volumes for immediate slaughter animals and increase costs for exporters.
An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in parts of South America led to temporary import bans by several Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
July 2022
Significant short-term decline in exports from affected regions, with trade diversion to competitors like Australia.