MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentine lamb and mutton exports 21 m. USD in 8 months

Argentine lamb and mutton exports increased 4% in volume and 21% in US dollars during the first eight months of the year according to the latest release from Senasa, the agro-food sanitary and quality service.

The volume totalled 5.640 tons and 21.25 million US dollars which is 4% and 21% higher than the same period a year ago with 5.404 tons and 17.35 million USD, shows the SENASA release. The main export market was Spain which absorbed 1.704 tons valued 6.7 million US dollars. Other significant markets: UK with 849 tons and 3.2 million USD; Portugal 616 tons and 2.4 million USD; Belgium 513 tons and 2.26 million USD; France, 246 tons and 1.05 million USD; Israel, 211 tons and 844.000 USD and Saudi Arabia 174 tons and 212.000 USD. After suffering a dramatic contraction in the flock, Argentina is gradually recovering sheep farming in Patagonia helped by lower taxes, soft long term loans and more encouraging prices for lamb and mutton.