Uruguay will export less rice, but will earn more than in 2023

(Diário Ámbito) Uruguay will export fewer tons of rice this year compared to 2023 figures, as lower yields per hectare are expected during the next harvest due to direct impacts resulting from the El Niño climate phenomenon. Despite lower yields, rice producers expect turnover to increase compared to last year, due to rising international prices. This year, the value generated by rice allocations could reach up to 600 million dollars, while in 2023 they will earn 550 million dollars. There are currently around 150 thousand hectares planted in Uruguay, of which, as the president of the Rice Producers Association (ACA), Alfredo Lago, explained to EFE, between 8,700 and 8,800 kilos of rice will come from each. In 2023, each yielded around 9,500 kilos of rice, reaching almost 1.5 million tons. Although some producers have already started harvesting, the vast majority should do so from the second half of March. “We are now just a few weeks away from starting a harvest that, although ...