New Zealand is set to export three more shipments of live cattle to China before a ban on livestock exports by sea, announced in 2021 following a maritime tragedy, takes effect in late April. Despite the ban, which is part of a two-year transition period during which the industry operates under stricter regulations, the Ministry for Primary Industries has reported a gradual increase in cattle exports to China for breeding purposes, with 134,590 cattle shipped in 2022. So far in 2023, two livestock shipments containing 11,574 cattle have already departed for China, with the next one scheduled for April 19. The ACT Party's primary industry spokesperson has introduced a bill to repeal the ban, arguing that with proper regulation, the trade could be made to meet high animal welfare standards and continue to benefit farmers economically.