Goods exports reach their highest level in a decade and strengthen Uruguay's export profile

Uruguayan exports of goods totaled US$13.493 billion in 2025, the highest figure in the last ten years. This figure represented a 5% year-over-year increase and reinforced the positive trend in foreign trade, according to the 2025 Annual Foreign Trade Report prepared by the Competitive Intelligence Department of Uruguay XXI. This performance was primarily driven by the strong performance of agro-industrial products, amid improving international prices and increased demand from major trading partners.

Beef was the main driver of export growth. In 2025, it reached sales of US$2.68 billion, a historic high, with a 33% increase compared to 2024. This performance was due both to rising prices—which grew 19% year-over-year—and to an expansion in export volumes, which reached 390,000 tons. The United States, China, and the European Union accounted for 82% of the sector’s sales and, collectively, recorded 38% year-over-year growth, driven by lower local production and sustained per capita demand.

Throughout the year, exports showed year-over-year growth in almost every month, with the exception of February and October. December stood out as the month with the highest level of export orders, totaling US$1.1 billion and representing a 17% year-over-year increase. That month, meat once again led exports, followed by pulp, while gains were also seen in dairy products, beverage concentrates, and rapeseed.

In the annual ranking of exported products, beef accounted for 20% of the total, followed by pulp at 17% and soybeans at 11%. Although pulp remained one of the main categories, it recorded a 9% drop in export value, down to US$2.307 billion, as a result of falling international prices, despite an increase in shipped volumes. China remained the main destination for the product, albeit with a slight decline in value, while the European Union saw the sharpest drop.

Soybeans regained prominence and established themselves as the third-largest export product, with sales of US$1.42 billion and 18% growth. The increase was driven by a strong expansion in volumes, which grew by 29%, against a backdrop of falling international prices. China accounted for 86% of the sector’s exports, and new destinations such as Algeria, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria were added, contributing to greater geographic diversification.

Exports of dairy products reached US$928 million, with year-over-year growth of 14%, driven by better prices and a moderate increase in volumes. Algeria and Brazil accounted for more than two-thirds of sales, while Uruguayan products reached more than 80 markets, consolidating the sector’s international presence.

Meanwhile, beverage concentrate totaled US$ 753 million, with a slight decline of 5%, associated with lower export volumes. Guatemala, Mexico, and Brazil remained the main destinations, reaffirming Uruguay’s role as a regional production hub.

Beyond the main categories, the performance of live cattle stood out, with exports growing 28% to reach US$ 382 million, as did that of pharmaceutical products, which increased 15% to total US$ 365 million, partially offsetting the decline in other sectors such as vehicles.

In terms of destinations, China remained Uruguay’s main trading partner, with purchases totaling US$3.493 billion and accounting for 26% of total exports. Brazil ranked second, though with a 15% decline, affected by lower sales of vehicles and rice. The European Union ranked third, with a slight increase in value, driven by the strong rebound in beef, while the United States consolidated its position as the fourth-largest destination, with growth of nearly 30%.

The report also analyzes the core group of goods exporters, comprising some 1,000 companies that accounted for 99% of export value and generated around 58,000 direct jobs. Within this group, large companies accounted for 95% of exports, while MSMEs represented 83% of the firms, with a smaller share in terms of value. The livestock sector led exports by activity, followed by forestry, agriculture, and food and beverages.

Finally, the 2025 Annual Foreign Trade Report highlights the growing importance of service exports. In the rolling year through September 2025, they reached US$7.325 billion, with a 2% year-over-year increase, driven by tourism and global services, which continue to establish themselves as a structural pillar of Uruguay’s export supply and a key factor in the country’s diversification and international integration.

Read the full report here