Uruguay-Meat exports.

URUGUAY.

RECORD MEAT EXPORTS.

While lamb exports increased by 20% in tonnage and 55% in value for the year 2008, the total exports for January 2009 have in fact declined by 33%, from the same period in 2008.

The rate of slaughter at the meat plants has dropped a massive 39% for the same period.

Beef exports were only 6,097 tons for the first two weeks of January and the exports of lamb and mutton 160 tons.

The Russian market is as a complete standstill and the main movement of meat is within the South American nations.

The live shipping trade looks promising for the rest of the year, with new orders for the Middle East and North Africa for yearling cattle and sheep.