Uruguay Set to Post Record Meat Export Revenue in 2025

Uruguay’s total meat export revenue is expected to reach around US$3.328 billion in 2025, a 4% increase compared to 2022, when the record of US$3.2107 billion was registered, according to official data from the National Meat Institute (INAC).

During its event “INAC 2025: Closing and Outlook”, the institute presented a broad set of statistical data on the current annual cycle and highlighted that meat export revenues are once again reaching historic highs, with a balanced distribution among the main destination markets.

China, USMCA, and EU
Following the event, held on Monday, December 8, at the El Globo District rooftop, INAC detailed that the Chinese market, despite showing a significant drop in revenues in recent years, will end 2025 with a slight recovery compared to 2024, reaching US$971 million, an increase of 18%, equivalent to 29% of total exports.

In contrast, the USMCA market (United States, Mexico, and Canada) continues to grow. It will end 2025 with a record value, approximately 38% higher than in 2024, reaching around US$1 billion and becoming the leading destination for Uruguay’s meat exports, accounting for 30% of the total.

The European Union (EU) also showed strong performance, with demand expected to grow by 81% compared to the previous year, reaching nearly US$700 million by year-end.

Beef: volume, price, and destinations
Beef exports in 2025 show a volume 11% higher than in 2024 and the highest average export value (IMEx – Average Export Revenue) recorded in the past ten years.

Export volume is expected to reach approximately 548,000 tonnes (carcass weight), with an average value of US$5,000 per tonne, generating total beef revenue of close to US$2.7 billion.

China accounts for 36% of export volume and maintains a price level similar to 2024. The United States accounts for 33% of the volume, with a 16% increase and a 19% rise in prices compared to the previous year. The EU increased its import volume by 52%, with an average cost 12% higher than in 2024.

Live cattle exports
Exports of live cattle are expected to reach nearly 400,000 head in 2025.

Turkey remains the leading destination, accounting for 74% of total shipments, followed by Morocco with 14%. Israel has consolidated itself as a major buyer of live cattle from Uruguay, accounting for 12% of total exports.

Source: El Observador, traduzida e adaptada pela Equipe BeefPoint.

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