Asunción, Paraguay – Paraguay's lamb industry is poised for growth following Israel's decision to permit the import of bone-in lamb from the South American nation. This development, announced by Paraguay's National Service for Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa), opens a new market for Paraguayan lamb producers.

The Frigorífico Victoria slaughter and freezing plant has been granted export approval, paving the way for shipments to Israel. This move is expected to provide significant social and economic opportunities for Paraguay's small-scale lamb farmers.

Israel's decision to include Paraguay in its list of approved lamb suppliers, which already includes Uruguay and Argentina, reflects its strategy to diversify its meat imports in the Middle Eastern market.

Uruguay, in particular, has experienced a surge in lamb prices due to increased exports to Israel, and is now seeking to resume bone-in lamb exports to the European Union (EU). This shows that the Israeli market can strongly impact the meat industries of exporting countries.

Paraguay's lamb population, currently estimated at around 332,000 head, is expected to increase as a result of this new export opportunity. Israel has rapidly become the second-largest market for Uruguayan lamb exports, with China remaining the top destination.

This decision by Israel is anticipated to inject new vitality into Paraguay's lamb industry and enhance its competitiveness in the Middle Eastern market.