Uruguay taps China with exports of high-value bovine gallstones
Photo: Carina Chowanek.
Uruguay has secured a deal with China which authorizes the export of bovine gallstones, a specialty product used in both traditional and modern Chinese pharmaceuticals. Valued at approximately USD 250,000 per kilogram, it represents a niche with high profit margins, though it requires rigorous sanitary, collection, and certification standards, areas in which Uruguay claims readiness.
Minister Alfredo Fratti of Uruguay’s Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries emphasized that this agreement is part of a strategic push to diversify the country’s livestock exports toward higher value segments. While the initial volumes and export scale will start in pilot stages, the economic impact could be significant if quality, logistics, and regulatory compliance are maintained.
China’s interest in these bovine gallstones is primarily driven by their use in pharmaceutical processes and traditional medicine, where demand remains strong. The export of such a specialized bioproduct demands cold-chain logistics, precise sanitary protocols, and import regulations, requirements that Uruguay must sustain and possibly scale.
This development aligns with the broader agenda of President Yamandú Orsi’s administration, which aims to open new international markets for Uruguayan agriculture, reduce reliance on conventional exports, and explore high-profit sectors. Sector insiders caution that beyond technical requirements, challenges such as production capacity, export infrastructure, and maintaining sanitary standards will be essential. Nonetheless, the government’s push to enter specialized, high-value markets suggests potential for rural income growth and diversified export revenues.
* Original text in Spanish. Translated by Large Language Model (LLM) technology.
Main Source:
El gobierno firmó un acuerdo con China para abrir un mercado con gran potencial de rentabilidad – Ámbito
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