Uruguayan dairy exports increased by 13 percent compared to the same period in 2022, the National Dairy Institute (Inale) reported yesterday, Tuesday.
From January to March, dairy sector shipments totaled US$229 million, according to the National Customs Directorate (DNA).
Whole milk powder was the main item placed outside the borders after a 15 percent increase to US$143.1 million, ahead of cheese, which generated foreign currency for US$32.4 million, and butter, which invoiced US$18.6 million.
In the first quarter of 2023, 38,486 tons of whole milk powder, 6,378 tons of cheese, and 3,476 tons of butter were exported, Inale detailed.
The average exported value per ton of Uruguayan whole milk powder fell 1 percent to US$3,693, cheese rose 18 percent year-on-year to US$5,087, and butter increased 11 percent to US$5,423.
Brazil was the primary market for Uruguayan dairy products, with 36 percent of purchases, followed by Algeria, 19 percent, and China, 8 percent.
Throughout 2022, dairy products were the fourth main good exported by Uruguay, with a 7 percent share.