MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Uruguay meat exports down 33% during January

Uruguayan meat export revenue in the first half of January totalled 17 million US dollars, down 33% from the same period a year ago, according to the latest report from the country's Meat Board, INAC.

Of that total beef exports represent 84% (15 million US dollars) and mutton and lamb 2%. The rate of slaughter has also dropped dramatically, 39%, of which 47% cows and 50% steers, totalling 54.712 head of cattle, In volume beef exports were equivalent to 6.097 tons shipped in order of importance to NAFTA members (US, Canada, Mexico), European Union, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Russia and Mercosur. Best prices were paid the EU, Nafta, Mercosur and Venezuela. Regarding mutton and lamb exports totalled 160 tons, mainly to Mercosur and the EU, which concentrated 39% of shipments. In money terms this represents 338.000 US dollars.