All customary import channels exist in Uruguay, including agents, distributors, importers, trading companies, subsidiaries, and branches of foreign firms.  Sales outlets are usually traditional storefronts and supermarkets.  Very few discount merchandisers operate in Uruguay.

Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital, largest city, and largest commercial center.  Most companies base their head offices and distribution centers in Montevideo or its suburbs.  Many international companies use the duty-free port/airport regime and the free trade zones as their national and regional distribution centers.

U.S. exporters may sell and ship directly to Uruguayan consumers through express delivery.  Courier packages valued up to $200 (not including freight value) are exempt from import tariffs or duties and may be received up to three times per year, per credit card holder.  Some specific products are not eligible for this exemption and have specific regulations.

U.S. products and services are usually sold through the websites of local importers, or popular e-commerce websites such as MercadoLibre.  Social media is also an effective sales platform for selling products online in Uruguay.

It is recommended that U.S. firms planning on doing business internationally perform appropriate due diligence on their business partners and agents.  For U.S. companies interested in more information on the Commercial Service’s International Company Profile diligence service (ICP), please contact office.montevideo@trade.gov.

For the latest Investment Climate Statement (ICS) which includes information on investment and business environments in foreign economies pertinent to establishing and operating an office and to hiring employees, visit the U.S. Department of Department of State’s Investment Climate Statements website.