MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Strong demand for Chilean lamb; exports reach 32 million USD in 2010

Chilean lamb and mutton 2010 exports mostly from Magallanes Region in the extreme south of the country increased 17% over the previous year according to the country’s Agriculture Studies and Policies Office, Odepa.

“The 6.827 tons exports were equivalent to 32.5 million US dollars, which compared to 2009 represents an increase in value of 22.1%” said Odepa’s director Gustavo Rojas.

Rojas indicated that sustained global appetite for ovine meat, which hiked international prices, is the main reason for last year’s good performance with “demand forecasted to keep increasing 3% annually in the near future with supplies coming mainly from developing countries”.

Magallanes with 91% of sales remains the most lamb-exporting region of Chile, followed by Los Lagos (2.3%); Bio Bio (2.2%); Maule (2%) and Aysen (1.8%).

The average export price in 2010 was 4.777 US dollars the ton and the main clients Spain (38%); Holland, Denmark and the UK (9% each); Israel (8%); France (6%); Sweden (6%); Germany (5%) and Mexico (3%).-

In related news Chilean beef exports increased 42% having reached 34.5 million US dollars in 2010.

Rojas said the “the increase in beef exports value was mainly due to higher international prices and a 9.6% rise in volume. Total tonnage exported in 2010 was 4.921.

“The increase in 2010 beef prices follows the international tendency reaching levels close to those of 2008. According to FAO, the level of prices in 2010 was 26% higher than in 2009”, added Rojas who revealed that the average export price of Chilean beef in 2010 was 7.000 US dollars a ton.

Main markets were Germany (32%); Venezuela (17%); United States (17%); UK (9%); Spain (5%); Holland (4%); Cuba (3%) and France (3%).