Uruguayan president Tabare Vazquez approval rate stands at 56%, which is considered exceptional for Uruguayan politics, particularly since the leader of the ruling coalition is 18 months away from the end of his five year mandate.
The Uruguayan government is planning to implement a program of permit-requests for the sowing of soybeans the coming season as part of a plan for the conservation of the soil sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Uruguayan president Tabare Vazquez confirmed Monday that Economy minister Danilo Astori would be leaving his post next September 15th but at the same time emphasized that there would be no changes to the current macroeconomic policy to which his administration has been successfully committed.
Neighboring Uruguay and Argentina have again clashed over trade in the framework of Mercosur. Argentina is complaining about a 2% consular levy Uruguay applies to all imports while Uruguayan authorities argue that the controversial farm export taxes distort market conditions.
Uruguay's exchange rate which has a significant influence for the country's exports has advanced strongly against virtually all of its trade partners with the exception of Brazil.
Uruguay's July consumer prices index CPI marked 0.45%, the lowest since last April, accumulating 5.91% in the first seven months of 2008 which, according to analysts makes it difficult to keep to the original Central Bank estimates of 3 to 7% for the twelve months.
Uruguay's ruling coalition leads vote intention with a solid 42%, seven points ahead of the main opposition party, Nacional with 35%, according to a public opinion poll from consultants Cifra which was released on Monday.
The first vessel to call in Montevideo port, Uruguay, this coming 2008/09 cruise season is Minerva II which will be arriving November 21st, according to an official report from local authorities.
The recurrent conflicts in Brazilian ports are having a direct impact on River Plate maritime traffic but the situation could be overcome if Montevideo expands its facilities and becomes a hub for the region, according to maritime agents.
By the end of the year Uruguay will be shipping beef directly to European Union consumers. The locally packed presentations will have all the traceability information plus the brand name with all the consumer data the supermarket wishes or has to comply with.