Uruguayan Agriculture Minister disputes accusations that milk exports to Brazil are predatory

On August 29, Uruguay’s Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Fernando Mattos, visited Correio do Povo’s booth at Expointer 2024. A frequent attendee of the exhibition, Mattos emphasized Uruguay’s strong position as a “natural exporter” in the dairy sector. Despite expressing disappointment over a roughly 30% decrease in imports, he noted that Brazil remains the primary market for Uruguayan dairy products.

“We are natural dairy exporters. In 2023, Brazil accounted for nearly 40% of our exports. This year, we’ve seen a reduction of about 30% due to restrictions, but Brazil continues to be our main destination market. We want to make it clear that we refute all claims that have accused Uruguayan exports of being predatory. Uruguay has long been Brazil’s leading dairy supplier. We should not be seen as a threat but rather as a strong partner within Mercosur,” the minister argued.

Mattos also emphasized that Uruguay’s presence with a booth in the International Pavilion at Expointer 2024 is a gesture of support and solidarity with the people of Rio Grande do Sul. “Uruguay’s intention is clearly expressed in terms of production, tourism, and investment. We didn’t have much time, but we made a political decision to be here and show our support,” added the minister, who was accompanied by Uruguay’s Consul General in Rio Grande do Sul, Marion Blanco.

Source: Correio do Povo

Click here to read the original reporting: https://www.correiodopovo.com.br/not%C3%ADcias/rural/expointer/ministro-da-agricultura-do-uruguai-contesta-acusa%C3%A7%C3%B5es-de-que-exporta%C3%A7%C3%A3o-de-leite-ao-brasil-%C3%A9-predat%C3%B3ria-1.1528086

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