The protein consumption of Uruguayans has averaged some 95 kilos per person, a few more kilos than back in 1918, when after reaching a peak of 87, had begun to fall. Of the total 95 kilos, 46 have been beef, with the rest chicken and pork, according to Conrado Ferber, head of the Uruguay National Meats Institute, INAC.
Uruguay is committed to lessen its dependence on the Chinese market for its sales of meat and beef in particular. In recent years China, as with most other Latin American countries has become its main trade partner, absorbing non processed agricultural commodities and minerals while flooding local economies with Chinese industrial goods.
Chinese beef importers are seeking to renegotiate prices previously agreed when they closed deals to buy dozens of shipments from Brazil and Uruguay because values are too high, according to a report in the online edition of local newspapers on Monday.
Uruguay exports of meats reached 978 million dollars between January and 18 July of which 83% beef; 5,5% offal; 3% ovine; other industrialized meats 2.7% and 1.5% horse, according to the latest release from the country's Meats institute economics office, Inac.