Uruguay: Beef exports to China the lowest since 2016

Lower beef production, due to decreased slaughtering and relatively low prices offered by Chinese importers, continues to pressure the volumes of beef exported from Uruguay to China.

According to customs export data, Uruguay exported 26,324 tons of fresh beef in July, 2,500 tons less than in June, marking the lowest monthly amount so far this year. Of this volume, only 10,054 tons were shipped to China, constituting 38% of the total, a significant drop from the more than 70% seen in 2021/22, when China dominated demand for this protein. July’s exports to China were the lowest for that month since 2016.

Exports of boneless and frozen meat to China totaled 6,603 tons, almost matching the amount exported to the United States (6,596 tons). The average export value to the US (US$5,534 per ton) is nearly US$900 higher than the average export value to China. Additionally, 3,318 tons of bone-in beef were shipped to China at an average value of US$2,957 per ton.

The following chart shows Uruguay’s beef exports in containers from January 2022 to June 2024. The information comes from DataLiner.

Uruguay Beef Exports | Jan 2022 – Jun 2024 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

In the first seven months of the year, boneless and frozen meat exports to China fell by 28%, while exports to the United States increased by 105%. Among the main destinations, there was also significant growth in exports to Russia, Israel, Japan, and Italy.

Exports to the European Union (EU) increased by 21% compared to the previous year. According to Customs data, they totaled 20,731 tons, with a higher percentage increase in frozen cuts (30% year-on-year to 7,713 tons) compared to chilled cuts (17% to 13,018 tons).

The increase in frozen meat exports is mainly due to a 78% growth in sales to Italy (3,391 tons), the main destination for these products. For chilled products, volumes sent to all EU destinations increased.

Source: Beef Point

Click here to access the original new report: https://beefpoint.com.br/uruguai-exportacoes-de-carne-bovina-para-a-china-sao-as-mais-baixas-desde-2016/

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