A recommended market entry strategy includes interested parties visiting Uruguay, interviewing potential partners, and naming a representative/agent. Business relationships and financing terms are important for success in Uruguay. Typically, in-person meetings are preferred, however in circumstances where in-person meetings are not possible, alternatives exist, such as hosting meetings using video conferencing technologies.

Most companies that export to Uruguay find that a local distributor or representative is necessary to penetrate the market, although not legally required. Distributors provide strategic support for positioning brands in the market through promotion, advertising, and post-sale service. Many import product sales channels are available including agents, distributors, importers, trading companies, subsidiaries, and branches of foreign firms. Sales outlets and supermarkets are traditional storefront retail locations. U.S. suppliers should carefully evaluate potential in-country agents or distributors. Any U.S. exporters interested in learning more about the U.S. Commercial Service support to vet in-country representatives, please contact: Office.Montevideo@trade.gov.

Uruguay is a tech-savvy market. Internet penetration is high and social media and e-commerce platforms for business product and services marketing are extensive.  U.S. exporters are encouraged to take advantage of the export promotion support offered by the U.S. Commercial Service team at the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo. For more information on services available to U.S. exporters, please visit: https://www.trade.gov/uruguay or contact: Office.Montevideo@trade.gov

Uruguay XXI is the country’s trade and investment promotion agency, which supports foreign companies looking to invest in Uruguay by providing market intelligence, identifying opportunities, and promoting the country as a reliable destination for productive investment.  For inquiries, contact: info@uruguayxxi.gub.uy.