Uruguayan exporting MSMEs: key players in economic diversification

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) comprise most of Uruguay’s export fabric: in 2024, they represented 82% of all exporting firms. However, their share of the economic value of exports remains limited, reaching only 5% of the total exports, according to the latest report published by the Competitive Intelligence department of Uruguay XXI. [Read the full report here.]

This contrast between their numeric weight and economic impact highlights their structural challenges: access to financing, market consolidation, and long-term sustainability. While many MSMEs manage to initiate export activities, they often struggle to sustain them, showing more fragile trajectories compared to large companies. On average, large firms export to 11 markets, while MSMEs reach only three, indicating smaller commercial networks, narrower logistical capacity, and less diversified commercial strategies.

Productive diversity and territorial employment

Despite their low contribution to total export value, MSMEs are essential for diversifying Uruguay’s export offer. In 2024, they were involved in 89% of the 724 tariff lines exported by the country and were the sole exporters in 43% of them. Their portfolio includes high-value-added and innovative products such as precious stones, wine, apparel, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

These companies mainly export regionally, with a strong presence in Mercosur markets, but have also expanded to destinations such as China, the United States, and India. MSMEs generate over 13,000 direct jobs throughout Uruguay, with a presence in every department and a specialization in local products. While Montevideo leads in export value, departments like Artigas, Colonia, Soriano, and Canelones also show strong dynamism in precious stones, dairy, oils, rice, and timber sectors.

Uruguay XXI’s support: focus on non-traditional sectors

A key strategic pillar for Uruguay XXI is to promote the internationalization of MSMEs to diversify the export matrix and extend the life cycle of these firms.

In 2024, the agency’s Export Department assisted 600 exporting companies—52% in goods and 48% in services. Among goods exporters, non-traditional sectors stood out: 36% belonged to the design industry, 35% to food and beverages, followed by cannabis and life sciences with 12% each.

This was the featured topic in the Monthly Foreign Trade Report by Uruguay XXI. [Read the full report here.]