A recent trade mission organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce brought 10 American companies to Montevideo, Uruguay, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries. The visit took place April 3-4 and included meetings with potential Uruguayan buyers aimed at exploring new business partnerships.
The event was linked to Trade Winds, a major U.S. government-led trade mission and business development forum held in Brazil from April 7-9. Uruguay was one of four destinations that hosted coordinated delegations alongside the main forum in Brazil.
“Since the first U.S. commercial visit to Uruguay in 1885, our shared values and commitment to economic development have paved the way for numerous successful partnerships,” said U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, Heide B. Fulton. “This mission represents another major milestone in our bilateral relations. By working together, we are creating a prosperous future for both nations by fostering trade, investment, and innovation.”
Other officials present at the event included Deputy Chief of Mission Karl Rios, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mario Lubetkin, Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining Fernanda Cardona, and Senior Commercial Officer Robyn Garfield.
Over 70 business-to-business matchmaking meetings were arranged by the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo during the mission. These meetings allowed American companies to connect with Uruguayan buyers interested in products and services across sectors such as IT, infrastructure, energy, security, healthcare, and agriculture. Some new sales leads have already resulted from these interactions.
American businesses see opportunities in Uruguay due to its stable political-economic environment and favorable conditions for foreign investment. The country’s strong GDP growth and large middle class make it an attractive market for U.S. exporters looking for regional entry points within Mercosur.
Recent agreements have further encouraged trade between the two countries. In April 2024, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed on cooperation regarding strategic technologies like AI and telecommunications. In January 2025, another MOU between Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay (BROU) secured up to $200 million in financing support for exports from the United States to Uruguay across key sectors including agriculture and infrastructure.
Last year saw two-way goods trade reach approximately $2.9 billion between both countries; currently, the United States is Uruguay’s fourth-largest trading partner.
Both nations also benefit from several bilateral agreements such as a Bilateral Investment Treaty; Trade and Investment Framework Agreement; an Open Skies Agreement easing restrictions on direct flights; and a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement supporting enforcement cooperation on customs offenses.
Small- and medium-sized enterprises play a significant role in driving this bilateral trade relationship—most participating American firms identified themselves as small or medium-sized businesses.
The U.S. Commercial Service at the embassy continues offering matchmaking services for Uruguayan organizations seeking American products or services while also helping facilitate Uruguayan investment into markets through initiatives like SelectUSA’s upcoming summit near Washington D.C., scheduled May 11-14.