Uruguay inaugurates its stand at CIIE 2025 and strengthens its commercial presence in China

Uruguay officially inaugurated its stand at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025 on Tuesday, November 5, marking its eighth consecutive participation in one of the world’s most important international trade fairs, which runs in Shanghai until November 10.
The country’s presence reaffirms its value proposition as a reliable partner for international buyers in a special year when Uruguay and China celebrate 37 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations.

The opening ceremony was attended by Valeria Csukasi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Aníbal Cabral, Ambassador of Uruguay to China; and Marcelo Magnou, Consul of Uruguay in Shanghai.
Representing Uruguay XXI were Deputy Executive Director Martín Mercado and Export Promotion Manager Pablo Pereira.

The event featured the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, a tango performance, and a toast with Uruguayan wine — symbols of national identity and culture that accompany the country’s international promotion strategy.

A growing trade relationship

Since 2015, China has been the main destination for Uruguayan exports, a position it has maintained for the past decade. So far in 2025, the Asian country accounts for 27% of total exports, reaffirming its role as Uruguay’s largest trading partner and a strategic market for goods that meet the highest standards of quality and traceability.

Bilateral trade between Uruguay and China has grown by 66% over the last five years (2020–2024), reaching a total exchange value of approximately US$ 5.5 billion. During this period, Uruguayan exports to China increased by 50%, while imports from China nearly doubled, reflecting the deepening of a mature and complementary economic relationship.

Uruguay’s exports to China are composed mainly of soybeans, cellulose, beef, and meat by-products, along with wool, precious stones, and wood. These products confirm Uruguay’s reputation as a reliable supplier of food, raw materials, and high-quality goods, aligned with the demands of the Chinese market.

In terms of investment, around 26 Chinese companies currently operate in Uruguay, in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, logistics, technology, and automotive manufacturing. These include leading firms such as ChemChina, Sundiro Holding Co. Ltd., Huawei, ZTE Corporation, Chery Automobile Co., Geely International Corp., and COSCO Group — whose presence strengthens bilateral economic cooperation and demonstrates the confidence of Chinese capital in Uruguay’s business environment.

“Our presence at the CIIE not only seeks to consolidate what has already been achieved, but also to open new opportunities for companies offering goods and services,” said Martín Mercado, Deputy Executive Director of Uruguay XXI.
“Coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors are key for Uruguay to continue being recognized as a reliable and high-quality supplier,” he added.

Pablo Pereira, Export Promotion Manager, emphasized the strategic relevance of Uruguay’s participation: “Being present at the CIIE allows us to showcase the diversification and added value of Uruguay’s export offering. Uruguay exports not only quality products, but also knowledge, innovation, and trust — and that is what sets us apart.”

Institutional presence and national projection

In this edition, the National Meat Institute (INAC) is participating with its own stand under the Uruguay Beef sector brand, reinforcing the country’s image as a global benchmark in responsible food production.
Its president, Gastón Scayola, led the delegation together with Brand Manager Andrés Angulo and Board members Guillermo Pigurina and José Manuel Mesa.

Uruguay’s participation is also supported by representatives from the Uruguayan Exporters’ Union and the Dragón Group.

The CIIE 2025, which runs until November 10, continues to establish itself as a strategic platform for expanding trade ties between Uruguay and China, promoting the country to millions of potential buyers, investors, and partners worldwide.

With a consistent presence and a narrative centered on quality, sustainability, and trust, Uruguay reaffirms in Shanghai its position as a strategic partner at the heart of the Asian market.