Grapes market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The Uruguayan grape market volume fluctuated between 2018 and 2023, starting at 105.9 thousand tons before a significant drop in 2019. A recovery began in 2020, driven by historically ideal weather conditions that led to an excellent harvest, boosting production. This upward trend continued through 2021 and 2022, supported by growing international demand for Uruguayan wine and a strategic focus on exporting higher-value bottled products.

Structural shifts within the wine industry significantly influenced grape demand. New grape varieties like Albariño and Marselan entered production, diversifying the varietal base and catering to evolving consumer tastes both domestically and abroad. The sector also gained notable international recognition, with Uruguayan wines achieving higher export prices in key markets such as the United States and Brazil, which incentivized vineyard output.

Consumer behavior and external shocks played a role. Per capita wine consumption rose until 2020, stabilizing thereafter. While total domestic wine consumption fell in 2022, strong export performance offset this decline for grape growers. The 2020 vintage also benefited from focused attention on quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the market contracted in 2023 due to an extensive and severe drought that sharply reduced the grape harvest.

Production grapes in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

In 2019, Uruguay's grape production reached its lowest point at 86.2 thousand tons, which was a 17.8% decline from the previous year. Production then rebounded in 2020 to 96.8 thousand tons, marking a 12.3% year-over-year increase. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 104.9 thousand tons.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports grapes from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

Uruguay's grape exports showed significant fluctuations during this period. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, while they peaked in 2019 at 114 tons, representing a 188.8% increase from the previous year. By 2020, exports had contracted to 62 tons, a 45.8% year-over-year decline. Overall, exports varied by a factor of five between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina and Brazil were the dominant destinations for Uruguay's grape exports in kind, jointly accounting for 93.9% of total flows. Other markets made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Uruguay's grape exports experienced notable volatility. In 2017, exports reached their trough, while they peaked in 2019 at 254 thousand US dollars, a 280.9% increase from the previous year. By 2020, exports had declined sharply to 125 thousand US dollars, down 50.8% compared to 2019. Overall, export values changed by a factor of 5.1 between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uruguay in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017–2020 period, Uruguay's grape exports in value terms were primarily directed toward Argentina and Brazil, whose combined share reached 87.2% of total flows. Other destinations played a secondary role in the export structure.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Uruguay in value, 2017-2020

Imports grapes to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

In 2018, Uruguay's grape imports in kind fell to their lowest level at 969 tons, a 20.9% decline from the previous year. Imports then surged in 2019 to 1 285 tons, a 32.7% increase, marking the highest point. By 2020, imports had decreased to 1 229 tons, down 4.4% compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Uruguay's grape imports in kind were Argentina, with 47.2% of imports, Chile at 30.8%, and Brazil with 9.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 87.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Uruguay in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2018, the value of Uruguay's grape imports dropped to its minimum at 1 984 thousand US dollars. Imports then increased significantly in 2019 to 2 865 thousand US dollars, a 44.4% rise, reaching the highest point. By 2020, imports had declined to approximately 2 349 thousand US dollars, down 18.0% year-over-year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uruguay in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout the 2017–2020 period, Argentina and Chile dominated Uruguay's grape imports in value terms, concentrating 80.2% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each with smaller individual contributions.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Uruguay in value, 2017-2020