According to statistics released by the Argentine government, exports to Venezuela of food products such as milk, cheese and chicken have increased by 128 per cent from January to July 2010. Sales jumped from USD 98 million in the first seven months of 2009 to USD 192.7 million in the same period of 2010, reports El Universal.

In the first seven months of 2010, sales of Argentine cheese to Venezuela amounted to 1,924 tons worth USD 8.4 million. This amount is 235 per cent higher than food items imported in the same period of 2009, when Venezuela purchased some 575 tons of Argentine cheese worth USD 1.7 million.

In 2009, the average price per ton was USD 2,900, while in 2010 the price increased to USD 4,370. This means that Venezuela has imported more cheese at a more expensive price from Argentina.

The Association of Cheese Manufacturers of Venezuela (Aniquesos) said recently that imports of cheese have affected sales of domestic cheese in the Venezuelan market.

There has also been a dramatic increase in the exports of Argentine chicken to Venezuela. This item represents about 60 per cent of food imports from Argentina.

With regard to the purchases of milk, Venezuela has this year imported 18,700 tons of milk worth USD 63.4 million.