Economic Activities in Uruguay: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Key Economic Insights: The economy of Uruguay generates an estimated GDP of $85.35 billion ($25,216 per capita) supporting a population of 3,384,688. Productive output is anchored by 65.2% services, 16.9% industry and manufacturing, and 6.4% agriculture and natural resource extraction. Its main export partners include China, Brazil, and Argentina.

Uruguay, with a population of 3,384,688 (2025), is ranked 133rd in the world. Located in South America, it covers 176,220 square kilometers, ranking 86th globally, just below Cambodia.

As of 2025, Uruguay’s economy is moderately stable with a GDP of approximately $85.35 billion. Uruguay’s GDP per capita was about $25,216 in 2025, one of the highest in South America.

Despite facing some challenges, Uruguay’s economy continues to show resilience and potential for growth in the coming years.

Table of Contents

Uruguay Economic Structure & Sector Analysis

Economic Dimension	Figure	Authoritative Source
GDP & Macro Output	Nominal GDP: $85.35 billion \| Per Capita: $25,216	World Bank WDI / IMF
Sector Breakdown	Services: 65.2% \| Industry: 16.9% \| Agriculture: 6.4%	World Bank National Accounts
Demographics & Labor	Population: 3,384,688	ILO / UN Population Division
Strategic Trade Corridors	Leading Trade Partners: China, Brazil, and Argentina	World Bank WITS / IMF DOTS

Primary activities (agriculture): 6.4% of GDP (2025).
Secondary activities (industry): 16.9% of GDP (2025).
Tertiary activities (services): 65.2% of GDP (2025).

Uruguay economy by sector

Share of GDP, 2025, compared with the world average

Services make up the largest part of the economy, at 65.2% of GDP in 2025. Agriculture’s share is above the world average of 4.1%, and industry’s share is below the world’s 25.4%. Data: World Bank, World Development Indicators (value added by sector, % of GDP). The three shares do not add up to exactly 100% because GDP also includes taxes on products minus subsidies.

Primary Sector of Uruguay

With 80.39% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a diverse range of products including milk, rice, wheat, barley, soybeans, beef, rapeseed, sugarcane, maize, and oranges.

Agriculture contributes 6.4% to the GDP (2025) and remains an important part of Uruguay’s economy. The sector’s variety of crops and animal products highlights its significance, ensuring food security and providing employment opportunities.

Uruguay’s diverse geology supports abundant natural resources, including extensive arable land for agriculture, hydropower potential from its rivers, minor mineral deposits, and a thriving fishing industry. These resources drive the economy and contribute significantly to the country’s development.

Secondary Sector of Uruguay

In Uruguay, prominent industrial products include food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, and beverages. These goods are manufactured for domestic consumption and export, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.Manufactures in Uruguay’s total exports accounted for 19.15% in 2023. Manufactures are significant, but other sectors like agriculture and services also help diversify the country’s exports.

Tertiary sector of Uruguay

Montevideo illustrating Uruguay's tertiary service sector

The tertiary sector in Uruguay encompasses services that offer knowledge and time to enhance productivity and meet needs. This sector deals with intangible goods like advice and expertise, catering to both consumers and businesses. Key tertiary activities in Uruguay include healthcare, education, banking, tourism, transportation, and telecommunications. These services contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.In particular, Uruguay’s economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP. With an impressive 3,480,000 annual arrivals, equating to 1.0167 tourist arrivals per capita, destinations like Montevideo and Punta del Este attract visitors worldwide with their vibrant culture, beaches, and rich history, driving the country’s tourism-driven economic growth.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 4.7 million subscriptions, or 139 per 100 inhabitants. This connectivity supports technological growth, innovation, and digital services.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Uruguay

In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use. The secondary sector involves the manufacturing of military equipment. The military also provides services, which is part of the tertiary sector. Research and development fall under the quaternary sector, while high-level decision-making is in the quinary sector.

As of 2024, Uruguay’s military expenditure was about $1,736.8 million, roughly 2.0% of the country’s GDP. The active military force has approximately 21,000 personnel.

International Trade of Uruguay

Import Activities of Uruguay

As of 2024, Uruguay’s imports of goods totaled roughly $12.5 billion, leaving an overall trade deficit of about $2.3 billion for the year.Uruguay’s main import partners are Brazil, China, the US, Argentina, and Germany. The country imports commodities like crude petroleum, fertilizers, cars, packaged medicine, and broadcasting equipment.

Exports Activities of Uruguay

As of 2024, Uruguay’s goods exports reached roughly $10.2 billion, up about 11.5% from 2023.Uruguay’s export activities are diverse, with major partners like China, Brazil, and Argentina. Key commodities include wood pulp (cellulose, the top export in 2024), beef, soybeans, milk, and rice.

Uruguay economy challenges in 2024

Uruguay faces challenges in 2024 with growing homicide rates and economic impacts from the 2019 Argentine recession. Despite being a high-income economy with a large middle class, the country must manage growing relations with China and the EU while maintaining socioeconomic equality. As a key exporter of milk, beef, rice, and wool, Uruguay strives to address these issues for a stable future.

Sources

Last updated: October 2026

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Post Author

Juan David Montoya

Economist & Senior Economic Researcher. Editorial Director of EconomicActivity.org. Specializes in macroeconomic indicators, international trade flows, and economic sector taxonomy (ISIC Rev. 4). Analyzes multilateral data from the World Bank, IMF, UN Comtrade, and OECD.