Uberaba - Economy

Economy

Uberaba is the trade centre of an important agricultural area, producing cattle, soy, corn and sugarcane is now becoming an important activity as new two ethanol plants are being implanted on the city. A well-known cattle and agricultural exhibition is held there each May. In 2006 there were 133,204 head of cattle on 825 establishments, 4,216,778 head of poultry on 448 establishments and 36,230 head of swine on 303 establishments. Milk production was substantial with 29,542 liters being produced a day on 576 farms in 2006.

The city's well-developed industries include cement and phosphate fertilizer plants, processed foods (sweets), cosmetics, shoe factories, furniture factories and electronics represented by a Stanley Black & Decker plant.

The city also has around twenty four chemical companies which are the largest producers of phosphated fertilizers in Latin America. Among them are Vale Fertilizantes, FMC, Sipcam Isagro Brasil, Bunge and Agronelli.

Uberaba is known nationally as a center of livestock genetic improvement and as an important producer of grain in Minas Gerais.

Freight is transported by rail and road to Belo Horizonte, the state capital 460 km to the east, and to neighbouring communities in Minas Gerais and São Paulo states.

The city is one of the largest promotional centers of cattle auctions in the country. During the expositions of zebu cattle, there are many events, which attract Brazilians and foreigners. During the year there are about 300 auctions with the sale of about 200,000 animals for reproduction, fattening, and milk.

The most famous is the Expozebu promoted by ABCZ, the greatest exposition of zebu in the world, which takes place every year in May.

Uberaba is served by Mário de Almeida Franco Airport.