Uruguay Trade Balance Swings to Deficit in August

Uruguay’s trade balance swung to a deficit of $42.8 million in August 2026 from a surplus of $322.49 million a year earlier. Imports surged 24.3% year-on-year to $1.06 billion, led by a 42.2% increase in purchases of intermediate goods, driven by a 558% jump in oil and distillate imports. Consumer goods imports rose 17.1%, with purchases of autos and other transport equipment increasing 47.2%, while capital goods imports declined 11.3%. Meanwhile, exports fell 13.4% to $1.02 billion as sales of primary goods slumped 37.3%, with agriculture and livestock products down 40.6%. In contrast, manufacturing exports rose 1.6%, while utility exports increased 56.6%.

Uruguay’s trade deficit widened to $182.84 million in July 2026 from $54.12 million a year earlier. Imports rose 15.1% year-on-year to $1.19 billion. Purchases of intermediate goods increased 26.9%, driven by a 139.1% jump in oil and distillate imports, while electricity imports rose 62.5% and food and beverage imports increased 36.3%. Consumer goods imports rose 5.5%, with purchases of autos and other transport equipment up 21.7% and durable goods increasing 20.2%. Meanwhile, capital goods imports declined 1.9%. Exports rose 2.8% to $1.01 billion, as sales of manufactured goods grew 10.9%, while exports of primary products declined 9.6% and utilities fell 31.5%.

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%.