Uruguay to send first batch of live cattle to Israel later this month

The MEAT industry has thus taken a new step in its trade relations by making its first cattle shipment on foot to the Middle Eastern country. The shipment is scheduled to leave late next week and contains a total of 3,000 HEAD of cattle .

According to Busqueda, these are 350-kilogram bulls, priced between $2.50 and $2.60 per kilogram. In addition, negotiations are underway to allow the sale of whole calves at a price of $2.80 to $2.90 per kilogram. Animals must undergo a 30-day quarantine before EXPORT , as well as undergo testing and treatment .

Meanwhile, Israel HEALTH Services Deputy DIRECTOR Sergio Dolev said three more importers from the country were interested. On the other hand, he added that there was a possibility of progress on certification for sheep exports. “We are trying to finalize the veterinary certificate,” he said, possibly within a few weeks.

Uruguay began exporting meat to Israel in January last year, when it received permission to trade beef and lamb on the bone in that country.

The new market has performed well overall in a positive context for local placements after a year marked by drought: according to the National Meat Institute (INAC), 16,845 tons of beef had already been exported to the Middle Eastern country by August, up 141% compared to the 6,981 tons shipped in the same period in 2023.

Although the meat consumption culture in Israel is not as strong as in South America, the country is one of the largest consumers of meat in the world, as its consumption is somewhat traditional and based on quantity rather than quality.