Uruguay's economy grew by 2.1% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report released on Monday by the Central Bank (BCU), which also noted a 0.4% growth from the previous quarter.
Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi participated on Tuesday in the inauguration of a new PepsiCo beverage concentrate storage plant in the Colonia free-trade zone after an investment of over US$100 million. The facility, which has been in continuous operation since 1993, will supply 24 markets in Latin America and other regions.
Uruguay's Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has announced a new set of measures to prioritize and streamline investment to boost growth by making things easier for both national and foreign investors. There is a political idea of what we want to do, Minister Gabriel Oddone explained.
As the new tariffs scheme established by US President Donald Trump became effective Friday, Uruguay and Argentina were among the least affected countries, with surcharges of only 10%, a steep difference from Canada's 35% or Brazil's 50% and a default 15% surcharge unless otherwise specified.
Uruguay issued sovereign bonds in Swiss francs for the first time Thursday, totaling 320 million (about US$400 million) to help finance a US$6 billion fiscal deficit in 2025. The bonds, with five- and ten-year terms, carry an average annual interest rate of 1.33%. Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone highlighted the favorable interest rates and noted that Uruguay was the only Latin American country currently issuing bonds in this currency, tapping into a market of high-quality investors.
Uruguay is too expensive in dollar terms and needs to adapt quickly because the adjustment will come anyway ‘and will be painful’ unless inflation is brought under control and costs equilibrium is reached with Brazil with a competitive dollar at 25 Pesos.
A leading Uruguayan economist warned Wednesday about the risks of being highly dependent on Brazil for foreign trade, particularly since the Uruguayan economy could “be trapped in a competitive edge island”.