Through intense lobbying, the Bush administration has restored about one-third of its beef exports.

A ban on British beef exports remains in force.

Canadian ranchers were suddenly cut off from their most important market and destination for 70 percent of Canada's beef exports.

If the rest of the world followed suit, $1 billion in United States beef exports would be at risk, agriculture officials said.

It is unclear whether the new policy will affect American beef exports, formerly a $3-billion-a-year market.

American beef exports are used mainly for table cuts.

The action dashed Britain's hopes for an immediate end to the ban on its beef exports.

But the world closed its doors to American beef exports, a $3 billion business.

The national government applies a 15% tax on beef exports and has applied further restrictions since March 2006 to keep domestic prices low.

However, as can be seen, beef exports are not an essential part of the Argentine economy.