Editor: Rafael Tardáguila
rafael@tardaguila.com.uy
Uruguay exported 96,569 head of live cattle during the first five months of 2026, about 20,000 fewer than in the same period of 2025, according to INAC data. In June, however, this trade flow gained momentum, based on export applications reported by Customs.
Export applications totaled US$ 88 million in June, almost doubling the previous highest monthly value this year (February), when live cattle exports reached US$ 45.5 million.
Assuming an average value per head similar to previous months, June exports would have totaled close to 70,000 head, bringing first-half shipments to a level similar to, or slightly above, the same period last year. Uruguay exported 161,157 head of live cattle during the first half of 2025.
June shipments were mainly destined for Turkey, which was expected given that calves from the 2026 calf crop have started to be exported, the main category purchased by the Eurasian country.
Although prices for slaughter cattle exports in Turkey have declined by around 10% in US dollar terms since the beginning of the year, they remain at historically high levels, around US$ 13 per kilo carcass weight.
