MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay meat exports in ten months totalled 1.3 billion USD

Uruguay meat exports totalled 1.3 billion US dollars until November 8, a 55% value increase over the same period a year ago, according to the latest statistics from the country's Meat Institute.

Beef exports reached 319.618 tons and the main clients were Russian Federation, European Union, Nafta (US. Canada and Mexico) and Mercosur. However the volume was down 4% compared to the same period in 2007. As to ovine meat, shipments totalled 19.647 tons with Mercosur, EU and Saudi Arabia the main markets. Volume exported was 19% up and in value 59%, over the same period a year ago. In the same period the number of cattle slaughtered was 1.911.343, up 3%, of which 44% cows and 53% heifers. Number of sheep killed was 1.389.168, of which 33% ewes, 14% mutton and 42% lambs.