Uruguay's Dairy Exports Witness a 3% Decline in January

Dairy Export Trends in Uruguay

The National Institute of Milk (Inale) released its first monthly report for the year, highlighting a 3% decrease in dairy exports for January compared to the same month last year. The total revenue generated was $79.8 million, and more than 15,000 tons of dairy products, including milk powder and butter, were exported.

Breakdown of Dairy Products

Whole milk powder topped the list with $51.7 million in revenue, marking a 2% decrease from last year, with an average price of $3,713 per ton. The total volume exported was 13,921 tons, down 12% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, butter showed a positive trend with $9.1 million in revenue, reflecting a 55% year-on-year increase. The average price per ton was $6,331, up 32% compared to the previous year and 39% higher than in December 2024. The total volume sold was 1,442 tons, 17% more than in the same month last year.

Cheese exports totaled $8.7 million, a 30% decrease from January the previous year. The average price was $4,826 per ton, which is 2% less year-on-year and 3% lower than the previous month. The total volume exported was 1,798 tons, down 29% from last year's figures.

Expectations from China Deal

The National Milk Producers Cooperative (Conaprole) recently signed a comprehensive collaboration and technical cooperation agreement with Chinese company Yili, which is expected to boost exports in the dairy sector.

Leadership Speaks Out

Conaprole President Gabriel Fernández emphasized Uruguay's leadership in dairy exports in Latin America, noting the longstanding relationship with Yili, which spans 14 years. CEO Gabriel Valdés echoed these sentiments, highlighting shared values of quality, innovation, and sustainability that drive their global dairy industry collaboration.