Uruguay Manufacturing Expands in February

Uruguay's manufacturing output expanded 3.3% year-over-year in February 2026, rebounding from a 1.5% decline in January. Food products manufacturing led gains at 6.4%, followed by pharmaceutical products at 17.7% and beverage manufacturing at 12.9%. In contrast, motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers manufacturing posted the largest decline at 45.3%. The Index of Hours Worked fell 0.2% year-over-year, while the Index of Employed Personnel declined 0.3%.

Uruguay’s manufacturing output declined 1.5% year-on-year in January 2026, reversing December’s 7.4% surge. The steepest drop came from refined petroleum products, down 25.4%. Other major drags included non-metallic mineral products at -21.8% and rubber and plastic products at -12.2%. On the upside, chemical products drove growth with a 30.7% rise, followed by beverages at 5.2% and wood and wood products at 15.5%. The Index of Hours Worked and the Index of Employed Personnel both fell 3.1% compared to January 2025.

Uruguay’s manufacturing output rose 7.4% year-on-year in December 2025, after remaining flat in the previous month. Food production made the largest positive contribution, increasing 17.0%, while paper and paper products rose 17.1%. In contrast, chemicals recorded the biggest decline, falling 26.0%. Rubber and plastics dropped 12.4%, and leather products decreased 25.4%. The index of hours worked increased 1.1%, while the number of employed personnel fell 3.1%. For 2025 as a whole, industrial output rose 2.7%.