Uruguay exports climb 5% in 2025 to 10-year high

Exports of goods from Uruguay totaled $13.493 billion in 2025, the highest value achieved in 10 years, according to Uruguay XXI. The result marked a 5% year-on-year increase and reinforced the positive trend in the country’s economy.

The 2025 Annual Foreign Trade Report shows that beef accounted for 20% of total exports, followed by pulp at 17% and soybeans at 11%.

In 2025, beef exports reached $2.680 billion, a historic record, up 33% from 2024. The performance was driven by higher prices, which rose 19% year on year, and by an expansion in export volumes, which reached 390,000 tonnes.

Check below a historical data overview of Uruguay’s containerized exports starting in January 2022. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Uruguayan Containerized Exports | Jan 2022 to Nov 2025 | TEU

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

The United States, China and the European Union accounted for 82% of total sales and together posted year-on-year growth of 38%.

Pulp remained one of the leading export products but recorded a 9% decline in value to $2.307 billion, due to lower international prices, despite higher shipment volumes. China continued to be the main destination for the product.

Soybeans regained prominence and consolidated their position as the third-largest export, with sales of $1.420 billion and growth of 18%. The increase was driven by a sharp expansion in volumes, which rose 29%, amid lower international prices.

Dairy exports reached $928 million, up 14% year on year, supported by better prices and a moderate increase in volumes. Algeria and Brazil accounted for more than two-thirds of sales.

Meanwhile, beverage concentrates totaled $753 million, down slightly by 5%, reflecting lower export volumes. Guatemala, Mexico and Brazil remained the main destinations.

China remains main trading partner

In terms of destinations, China remained Uruguay’s main trading partner, with purchases of $3.493 billion, accounting for 26% of total exports.

Brazil ranked second, but with a 15% decline, affected by lower exports of vehicles and rice.

The European Union came in third, with a slight increase in value driven by a strong recovery in beef, while the United States consolidated its position as the fourth-largest destination, posting growth of close to 30%.

Greater weight of services exports

The report highlights the growing share of services exports. In the rolling period through September 2025, they reached $7.325 billion, up 2% year on year, driven by tourism and global services, which continue to consolidate as a pillar of Uruguay’s export offering.

Source: Portal Portuario

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