Israel to import live cattle imports from Uruguay to boost meat industry

ISRAEL – Israel has officially approved the importation of live cattle from Uruguay, ushering in a new development in the country’s livestock trade. 

Diego de Freitas, the general director of Livestock Services in Uruguay, confirmed that the certification process had been completed and accepted by Israeli authorities.

The authorization permits the export of castrated cattle of all categories. 

However, for uncastrated males and females, only animals up to eight months old and weighing no more than 200 kilograms can be shipped. 

The quarantine period for exported cattle is set at 30 days, with only facilities approved by Uruguay’s Livestock Services allowed to carry out the process.

Israel imports approximately 300,000 live cattle annually. 

Australia has historically been its main supplier, but recent geopolitical disruptions in the Red Sea have forced ships to take a longer route around Africa before reaching the Mediterranean. 

The extended journey has significantly increased shipping times, prompting Israel to seek alternative sources of livestock.

This comes as the Uruguayan live cattle export industry continues to grow.

In 2023, Uruguay exported 298,510 head of live cattle. This was considered an excellent year for the live cattle market.

Rising Live Animal Imports

In 2021, Israel imported 856,630 calves and lambs for both fattening and slaughter, reflecting a 42% increase from the previous year. 

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, the country brought in 207,214 live animals, continuing a trend of high import volumes.

A report by the Israel Against Live Shipments organization highlighted that in 2023, Israel imported 750,000 calves and lambs. 

This was the third-highest annual figure recorded, despite being lower than the peak years of 2021 and 2022.

Data from the report showed a sharp rise in live animal imports over the past decade. In 2014, Israel imported 228,711 live calves and lambs. 

By 2023, this number had surged by 220%, reflecting the increasing demand for live animal shipments.

While imports have fluctuated in recent years, the overall trend indicates a growing reliance on foreign suppliers.

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