Uruguay clinches rapeseed and soybean meal deal with China

Uruguay and China have signed a historic agreement that allows the South American country to export rapeseed and soybean meal. The phytosanitary protocol ensures safety, inspection and traceability standards for these high-protein products, which are in high demand for animal feed in Asia. The agreement provides for the export of trial batches while inspections of processing plants are ongoing, with plans for further approval of rapeseed exports.

Uruguayan Agriculture Minister Alfredo Fratti led a mission to China, Hong Kong and other Asian markets to strengthen trade ties. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed to establish a demonstration family farm in Uruguay and a cattle production laboratory in China, which will facilitate the exchange of technology and expertise. Fratti also discussed cooperation in forestry and pasture management with Liu Guohong, head of China’s National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

Initial exports are expected to be 50,000 tonnes of soybean meal and 20,000 tonnes of rapeseed meal per year, with further monitoring. Additional meetings with Chinese officials are planned for July to expand exports of other agricultural products, such as processed meat, dairy products and soy by-products. According to Gaston Scacciaola, president of the National Meat Institute of Uruguay, who accompanied Fratti, Uruguay, which exports 85% of its food, is an important partner for China, which imports 90%.

Uruguay has also been granted strategic partner status with China, which grants priority in bilateral trade and simplifies export procedures. The mission also explored opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Macau to diversify sales markets and strengthen the presence of Uruguayan products in high-demand markets.

Tags: China, soybean meal, Uruguay, rapeseed meal