September 28, 2007

Uruguay's beef exports strong in 2008

Beef exports from Uruguay are seen to increase by 2.5 percent in 2008, due to surging demand from the US and Canada, reports the US Department of Agriculture. 

Beef shipments this year are predicted to drop 23.5 percent decreased due to lesser number of cattle slaughtered¨C exports are forecast to drop 23.5 percent on the record 2006 volumes, to 390,000 tonnes hundredweight (cwt).

The US will remain as Uruguay¡¯s major export destination, while exports to Canada are expected to increase once Japan re-opens its market to Canadian fresh beef. Mexico will also become an important destination for Uruguayan beef, with around 25,000 tonnes cwt forecast to be shipped annually.

Uruguay is currently free from foot and mouth disease (FMD) with vaccination. Under this condition, it is expected that vaccination against FMD will continue despite the disease waning down. Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Bolivia also fall into these categories. In order to export beef to high value Asian markets such as Japan, Uruguay will need to become FMD free without vaccination.