Highest level in nearly two years for meatpacking industry debt

As of the end of January, Uruguay’s meatpacking industry had US$ 390 million in outstanding loans with public and private banks, according to data from the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU). Compared to January 2024, liabilities increased by approximately US$ 79 million. This also marks the highest level of debt since July 2023, when it stood at US$ 401 million.

The total overdue debt in the meatpacking industry reached US$ 9.1 million, representing 2.3% of total debt—a slight deterioration compared to 1.5% in the same month last year.

Meanwhile, livestock operations had US$ 1.145 billion in debt as of January, an increase of US$ 111 million compared to January 2024. However, overdue debt remains at historically low levels, at 1%.

Finally, the total agricultural sector debt reached US$ 3.819 billion in January, setting a new historical record for the country. Over the past 12 months, the sector’s liabilities increased by US$ 254 million. Nonetheless, overdue debt remained at 1.1% of total debt, amounting to approximately US$ 43 million.