MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay's meat exports in seven months: 983 m. USD

Hereford cattle feeding in Uruguayan pastures

During the first seven months of this year Uruguay meat exports totaled 983 million US dollars, 54% higher than the same period in 2007, of which beef represents 84% and lamb 4%, according to the country's Nacional Institute of Meats, INAC.

Beef represented 828 million US dollars, for an exported volume of 252.876 tons mainly for the Russian Federation, European Union, Nafta and Mercosur countries. These four groups of countries absorbed 81% of meat exports and delivered 83% of US dollars. The average beef ton in the period and confirming a tendency that begun last September, was sold at 4.205 US dollars which represents a new record for Uruguayan exports. Ovine meat exports reached 14.219 tons in the Jan/July period, most of which was shipped to Mercosur, European Union and Saudi Arabia, generating 39 million US dollars. Regarding number of cattle sent to abattoirs in the period, it reached 1.486.069, 45% of which cows and 52% steers. Because of the strong demand for steers, live price for cattle has increased considerably and in early August auctions it stood at an average of 2.25 US dollars per kilo. Good prices for fat steers means the reposition value of calves has also increased proportionally.