Uruguay Trade Balance Swings to Deficit in June

Uruguay’s trade balance swung to a deficit of $71.7 million in June 2026 from a surplus of $274.8 million a year earlier. Imports surged 35.5% year-on-year to $1.18 billion, driven by a 57% increase in intermediate goods. Purchases of electricity soared 1,286.1%, while imports of oil and distillates jumped 407.7%. Meanwhile, consumer goods imports rose 13.2% and capital goods imports increased 12.7%. Exports fell 3.2% to $1.11 billion, as shipments of electricity, gas, and water plunged 87%. Exports of primary products also declined 14.8%, while manufactured goods exports increased 7.3%.

Uruguay’s trade deficit widened to $430.8 million in April 2026 from $130.2 million a year earlier. Imports rose 5.5% year-on-year to $1.15 billion, driven by an 11.3% increase in consumer goods purchases, including a 20.4% jump in vehicle imports. Imports of intermediate goods rose 4.8%, led by a 12.8% increase in food and beverage products. In contrast, capital goods imports fell 7.1%, weighed down by a 19.5% decline in transport equipment purchases. Meanwhile, exports increased 8.2% to $719.8 million, supported by a 14.1% rise in primary product shipments and a 6.1% increase in manufacturing exports. Sales of utilities, however, plunged 47.8%.

Uruguay’s trade deficit widened to $417.3 million in March 2026 from $243.4 million a year earlier, as imports grew faster than exports. Imports surged 28% year-on-year to $1.3 billion, driven by a 30.5% jump in intermediate goods. Purchases of consumer goods rose 27.7%, while capital goods imports increased 15.5%. Meanwhile, exports rose 14.5% to $895.7 million. Sales of utilities climbed 68.3% to $614 million, while exports of primary products increased 20.2% and manufactured goods rose 12.2%.