This ban applies to cattle (bovine), small livestock (sheep and goats), as well as horses.
However, exceptions to this rule are proposed, which will not affect:
- transit supplies through the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic;
- horses participating in sports competitions;
- horses that are gifted to foreign states, international organizations, or private individuals;
- live livestock that will be exported by the state operator — OJSC "Kyrgyz Agroholding";
- horses exported by air transport.
According to the justification note, the growth of the population leads to an increased demand for meat. Thus, in 2024, meat consumption is expected to reach 309.4 thousand tons, and in 2025 — 314.5 thousand tons.
As reported by the Antimonopoly Regulation Service under the Ministry of Economy, as of January 16, 2025, retail prices for beef have risen to 680–720 soms per kilogram, which is 110 soms higher than in the same period of 2024.
According to the National Statistical Committee, over the 12 months of 2025, average consumer prices for meat increased by 113% compared to the previous year, which is 1.9% higher than in 2024.
The ministry also notes that after the introduction of the previously existing ban on the export of live cattle, prices for beef and lamb stabilized at 650–680 soms per kilogram across the country.
The document mentions both internal and external inflation risks. In 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance, an increase in salaries in the public sector is expected, which may exacerbate inflationary pressure against the backdrop of slowing economic growth.
Furthermore, in Russia, starting from 2026, the VAT rate will increase from 20% to 22%, and in Kazakhstan — from 12% to 16%, which may affect prices in these countries. In 2025, Kazakhstan's GDP growth was 6.5%, while annual inflation reached 12.3–12.6%. Meanwhile, in Russia, GDP growth slowed to 0.6%, and the inflation rate was 13.2–14.5%. Food prices in the Russian Federation increased by approximately 16.8%.
It is also reported that international beef prices remain high due to a reduction in livestock numbers in several countries. Forecasts indicate that over the next 2–3 years, meat prices will remain high both in the global market and in neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
In light of the above, the ministry proposes to introduce a temporary ban on the export of live livestock to meet domestic demand for meat, reduce dependence on imports, and stabilize prices for socially significant products such as beef, lamb, horse meat, and goat meat.
This ban was previously implemented in August 2025 for a period of six months.
