The ban covers cattle (bovine), small livestock (sheep and goats), as well as horses.
However, some exceptions will be provided. The ban will not apply to:
- transit through the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic;
- horses participating in sports competitions;
- horses donated to foreign states, international organizations, or private individuals;
- animals exported by the state operator — OJSC "Kyrgyz Agroholding";
- horses transported by air.
The justification for the draft law states that with the increase in population, the demand for meat is also growing. It is expected that in 2024, meat consumption will reach 309.4 thousand tons, and in 2025 — 314.5 thousand tons.
According to information from the Antimonopoly Regulation Service under the Ministry of Economy, meat prices have risen compared to the previous year. As of January 16, 2025, the retail price for beef was 680–720 soms per kilogram, which is 110 soms higher than in the same period of 2024.
Data from the National Statistical Committee shows that average consumer prices for meat increased by 113% throughout 2025 compared to the previous year, which is 1.9% higher than the 2024 figure.
At the same time, the department noted that after the introduction of the previous ban on the export of live cattle, prices for beef and lamb stabilized at 650–680 soms per kilogram across the country.
The document also mentions the risks of inflation, both internal and external. In 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance, a wage increase for budget sector employees is planned, which may lead to increased inflationary pressure against the backdrop of slowing economic growth.
Additionally, starting in 2026, the VAT rate in Russia will be raised 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% with an annual inflation rate of 12.3–12.6%. Meanwhile, in Russia, GDP growth slowed to 0.6%, and inflation reached 13.2–14.5%. The increase in food prices in the Russian Federation was about 16.8%.
The document also emphasizes that global beef prices remain high due to a reduction in livestock numbers in several countries. It is predicted that in the next 2–3 years, meat prices may remain high both in the global market and in neighboring countries such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Thus, the ministry proposes to introduce a temporary ban on the export of live cattle to ensure domestic demand for meat, reduce dependence on imports, and stabilize prices for socially significant food products, including beef, lamb, horse meat, and goat meat.
Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture had already imposed a similar ban for six months in August 2025.
