Uruguayan Dairy Exports to Africa Show Potential for Over $400 Million Growth

African nations are emerging as a promising market for Uruguayan exports, with potential exceeding $400 million, according to a report from the International Business Institute (INI) of the Catholic University of Uruguay (UCU). This represents more than an 80% increase from current levels.

The report highlights the thriving demand for dairy products, particularly powdered milk, which accounted for $508.7 million in exports to Africa in 2024, witnessing an annual increase of 50.3%. Despite this growth, there remains a $111.3 million trade balance deficit.

Algeria leads as a key market, with exports growing by 80.8% to $234.1 million, constituting 46% of total exports, driven by milk and cream products. Conaprole, Uruguay's leading dairy exporter, alone accounted for 57.1% of these exports, valued at $290.5 million.

Mauritania also saw substantial growth, with exports spiking by 560.3% to $23.4 million last year.

In addition to dairy, frozen boneless beef and unprocessed beef cuts have a projected market potential in Africa of $172 million, with Egypt posing as the primary destination with expected sales up to $146 million, benefitting from tariff-free trade.

While North Africa, particularly Algeria, provides momentum with $195 million in sales, it is noteworthy that exports to this region incur a 5% tariff.