April 12, 2012

Paraguayan beef exports declined sharply in the first quarter of this year after two foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks prompted a suspension of trade with some of the country's most vital markets.

Paraguay shipped 34,426 tonnes of beef in the January-March period - down 23% on the same period last year, according to GTIS data.

These exports earned US$147.6 million - a drop of 31% when compared to the US$214.5 million earned in the first quarter of 2011.