Wine and wine products market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

Uruguay's wine market began the period with record bottled exports in 2018, particularly of Tannat, strengthening its presence in key markets like Brazil and the United States through institutional support and full traceability. Domestic demand remained stable. The following year, the sector shifted focus toward higher export prices and quality to avoid oversupply, which coincided with a reduction in production volumes. Market volume expanded in 2020, recovering from the previous dip.

Growth accelerated from 2021, fueled by increased imports of competitively priced Argentine wines and the rapid expansion of online sales. The international recognition of Bodega Bouza as one of the world's top wineries underscored Uruguay's quality focus. In 2022, consumption returned to pre-pandemic levels, and the industry consolidated new trends such as canned wine, with over 166 thousand liters sold, while further developing wine tourism for brand promotion. Large wineries like Bodega Garzón achieved high average export prices, emphasizing quality over quantity.

The market volume contracted sharply in 2023, contrasting with the earlier expansion.

Production wine and wine products in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uruguay maintained the 29th position globally in terms of wine and wine product production volume.

Top producers of wine and wine products, 2017-2020

World map of production of wine and wine products, 2017-2020

In 2020, Uruguay produced 69 482 tonnes of wine and wine products, marking a robust 14.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.3%, averaging an annual rate of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 60 486 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 74 500 tonnes. The most significant decline was observed in 2019, when production fell by 18.8%.

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

Exports wine and wine products from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

The export market for wine and wine products from Uruguay showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, exports totaled 7 338 tonnes, representing a 9.5% increase from 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 789 tonnes. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 64.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a surge of 220.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Brazil, and Mexico were the top buyers of Uruguayan wine and wine products in terms of volume. Russia accounted for 38.1% of exports, Brazil for 33.2%, and Mexico for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented 80.2% of Uruguay's total wine exports by volume.

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

In 2020, Uruguay exported wine and wine products worth 17 813 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate 7.3% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 20.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 21 086 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 21.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a 42.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, the United States, and Russia were consistently the main destinations for Uruguayan wine exports in value terms. Brazil accounted for 49.8% of export value, the United States for 12.4%, and Russia for 9.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 71.6% of Uruguay's total wine export value.

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

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

Imports wine and wine products to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Uruguay imported 10 644 tonnes of wine and wine products, reflecting a moderate 8.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 13.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%. The most notable decline was recorded in 2019, when imports decreased by 0.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and Chile were the primary sources of wine and wine product imports to Uruguay by volume. Argentina contributed 38.9% of imports, the United Kingdom 35.2%, and Chile 11.2%. Together, these three countries accounted for 85.4% of Uruguay's total wine imports by volume.

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 2020, Uruguay imported wine and wine products valued at 30 669 thousand US dollars, remaining stable compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 4.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 30 669 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a 0.9% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a 5.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and Chile led the structure of wine imports to Uruguay in value terms. Argentina accounted for 37.5% of import value, the United Kingdom for 36.8%, and Chile for 10.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented 84.7% of Uruguay's total wine import value.

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

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