ULAN BATOR, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has the potential to export 180,000 tons of meat per year, local media reported Wednesday, citing the country's Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.

"Mongolia's meat exports have seen a significant increase in recent years. Particularly, our country exported 54,900 tons of meat and meat products in 2018, a 20-year high," said Togoo Gantogtokh, head of food industry policy management department at the ministry.

"Indeed, our country has full potential to export 180,000 tons of meat a year," Gantogtokh said.

Meat is a main product in Mongolia's consumer basket. As Mongolia increases meat exports, meat prices in the nomadic country have been skyrocketing.