Uruguay: Pork Market 2025

Pork Market Size in Uruguay

In 2022, after three years of growth, there was decline in the Uruguayan pork market, when its value decreased by -0.5% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. Pork consumption peaked at $X in 2021, and then fell slightly in the following year.

Pork Production in Uruguay

In value terms, pork production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a pronounced shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 29% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of pork in Uruguay dropped to X kg per head in 2022, waning by -9.7% on 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 25%. The pork yield peaked at X kg per head in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

In 2022, the number of animals slaughtered for pork production in Uruguay contracted modestly to X heads, remaining relatively unchanged against 2021. Over the period under review, the number of producing animals continues to indicate a deep downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 2.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, this number attained the peak level at X heads in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, producing animals remained at a lower figure.

Pork Exports

Exports from Uruguay

In 2022, the amount of pork exported from Uruguay dropped sharply to X tons, reducing by -50.4% against 2021 figures. In general, exports, however, saw a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 354% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons, and then reduced markedly in the following year.

In value terms, pork exports declined remarkably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 238%. The exports peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Angola (X tons), Chile (X tons) and Austria (X tons) were the main destinations of pork exports from Uruguay.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Angola (with a CAGR of +25.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Chile ($X) remains the key foreign market for pork exports from Uruguay, comprising 73% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Angola ($X), with a 20% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Chile totaled +20.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Angola (+3.7% per year) and Austria (+7.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average pork export price amounted to $X per ton, almost unchanged from the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a noticeable decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 99% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2022, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Austria ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Angola ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Chile (+8.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Pork Imports

Imports into Uruguay

In 2022, approx. X tons of pork were imported into Uruguay; with an increase of 6.4% on the year before. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +7.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +110.1% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, pork imports expanded modestly to $X in 2022. Overall, total imports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +43.7% against 2015 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 24%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Brazil (X tons) was the main pork supplier to Uruguay, with a 95% share of total imports. Moreover, pork imports from Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Paraguay (X tons), more than tenfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Brazil stood at +8.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Paraguay (+120.4% per year) and Chile (-28.4% per year).

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constituted the largest supplier of pork to Uruguay, comprising 95% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Paraguay ($X), with a 4% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Brazil stood at +6.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Paraguay (+94.2% per year) and Chile (-30.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average pork import price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -4.1% against the previous year. In general, the import price continues to indicate a slight setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 16% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Paraguay ($X per ton), while the price for Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (-2.1%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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