September 19, 2008

Uruguay's total beef exports are expected to reach 420,000 tonnes cwt this year, with a further increase of 7 percent to 450,000 tonnes in 2009, according to the USDA.

Uruguay's beef production is expected to grow 5 percent in 2008 and shrinks to only 2 percent in 2009. Therefore, the growth in exports, fuelled by strong international demand and surging prices, is projected to impact domestic consumption.

Uruguayans may face reduced beef supplies with higher prices, as export beef production hits 71 percent in 2008 and is expected to increase to 75 percent in 2009.

Uruguay's beef exports have benefited from lower beef shipments from both Brazil and Argentina in the past year, in addition to Uruguay's improved market access in the Americas and the current EU ban on Brazilian beef.