May 15, 2009

Paraguay's pork and beef export value fell 52 percent and 13 percent on-year, respectively, between January and April.

Beef exports reached 54,200 tonnes, a miniscule drop from the previous year, but value fell to US$162.6 million from US$187.2 million.

Chile was the largest Paraguayan beef buyer, accounting for 41 percent or 22,000 tonnes at a value of US$76.3 million. Russia is the second largest buyer at 25.6 percent of the total of 13,900 tonnes and US$30.6 million.

Pork export value during the period plummeted to US$510,000 from US$1.04 million last year. Export volume decreased 40 percent to 198 tonnes from 330 tonnes.