April 9, 2010

Uruguay beef exports rise in FY2009-10

During the fiscal year to March, Uruguayan beef exports climbed 27% to 203,465 tonnes on-year, as trade recovers after financial crisis in 2008.

The major increases in shipments were to Russia (up 90% to 61,744 tonnes) and Asia (up 122% to 22,773 tonnes). Meanwhile, exports to the US continued to fall by 28% on-year to 15,184 tonnes as Uruguay takes advantage of higher prices in other destinations and negotiates E.coli recall procedures.

Beef exports to the EU, comprising mainly of Germany and Spain, surged 34% to 5,549 tonnes in March, taking advantage of the scarce Argentinean supplies in this market.