Uruguay - Country Commercial Guide
Security Equipment

This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

Last published date: 2022-09-22

Overview

Table: Total Market for Security Equipment

 

2019

2020

2021

2022 estimated

Total Local Production

n/a

n/a

n/a

 

n/a

 

Total Exports

8

8

10

16

Total Imports

223

226

304

310

Imports from the U.S.

33

28

31

30

Total Market Size

215

218

294

294

Exchange Rates

35.26

42.01

43.55

41

The security equipment sector is growing, with both individuals and companies purchasing reasonably priced security system technology.  Companies are replacing in-person security systems with more and better technology in their facilities.

Imports of security equipment increased 30 percent in 2021 compared to 2020.  Chinese-made products dominate the security sector with more than 50 percent of market share.

U.S. products are second with a 10 percent market share.  U.S. products compete directly with lower-priced products from China, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Canada among others.  Traditionally, U.S. goods compete successfully in Uruguay due to their higher quality and longer life cycle.

Imported electronic components play a very important role in the sector.  Local security importers will continue to import high-tech components to be used in the production of alarms, closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, and other related security systems. 

Leading Sub-Sectors

Major construction projects are underway in Montevideo and Punta del Este (Uruguay’s principal seaside resort), in which electronic security products will play a very important role.  According to Uruguay’s Chamber of Electronic Security Systems, the electronic security business will continue growing, especially in commercial and industrial facilities.

Opportunities

Uruguay’s electronic safety and security market relies heavily on imported products and services.  In order to import security equipment and technology, local companies typically form joint ventures with international firms or become authorized dealers.  Uruguay’s National Customs Directorate is the official institution that regulates the importation of all safety and security items, and local importers must report all imports to the National Customs Directorate.

The following products are considered best prospects:

  • Access Control Systems: smart cards, biometrics, controllers, local area network devices, readers, and digital processors.
  • Intrusion Alarms: indicator panels, signaling devices, keypad LEDs, batteries, sirens, and magnetic contacts.
  • CCTV: cameras, domes, monitors, transmission devices, television transmission apparatus, TV receivers, multiplexers, and CCTV systems.
  • Other: aerial security monitoring with drones.

Resources

Contact:  Office.Montevideo@trade.gov http://export.gov/uruguay