# Uruguay agricultural trade and domestic market trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uruguay-agricultural-trade-and-domestic-market-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-09T20:47:06.000Z. Sources: 52. Developments: 2.

In July 2026, Uruguay's dairy exports increased by 31% year-on-year to US$95 million, contributing to a 7% increase in cumulative dairy export value for the first seven months of the year. The sector accounted for 8% of the country’s total exports, reaching a cumulative value of US$511 million. Brazil and Algeria emerged as the primary markets, with Brazil receiving US$31 million, representing 32% of shipments.

This growth occurred as China's dairy import growth slowed to 0.7% in the first half of 2026, down from a 5.7% rise in the same period of 2025. While demand for cream and cheese continued to rise in China—with cream imports up 8.4% and cheese up 24.8%—higher domestic milk-powder prices reduced the economic advantage of imports. New Zealand remained the leading supplier to China, followed by Australia.

Concurrently, Uruguay experienced rising prices for certain vegetables during the first week of August 2026. Scarcity of high-quality stock drove up prices for red onions, Criollo sweet potatoes, and zucchini, while humidity-related yield issues affected citrus fruit prices. While leafy vegetables remained abundant, the weekly ‘Valor Kilo Canasta’ indicator rose by 13.5% due to these supply tensions.

## Claims

- Hardware and construction materials was the only sector to grow, by 1%. (disputed by 7 sources)
- Construction material shipments to the domestic market fell 6.5% year-on-year in July. (disputed by 3 sources)
- SME retail sales fell 3.8% year-on-year in July. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Retail sales decreased 2.1% compared to June. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Accumulated retail sales for the first seven months of the year fell by 2.7%. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The textile and clothing sector saw the largest decline at 5.6%. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- 61.5% of surveyed merchants consider the current situation unfavorable for new capital investments. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Argentina SME retail sales fall 3.8% in July

Argentina's SME retail sales fell 3.8% year-on-year in July. CAME reports a 2.7% decline for the first seven months of the year amid debates over e-commerce's impact on traditional consumption.

49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-vegetable-prices-rise-amid-shrinking-high-quality-supply

### 2026-08-03: Uruguay dairy exports jump 31% in July 2026 as China import growth slows

Uruguay’s dairy exports rose 31% in July 2026, while China’s dairy imports grew only 0.7% in H1 2026, with rising demand for cream and cheese and New Zealand remaining the top supplier.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uruguay-dairy-exports-jump-31-in-july-2026-as-china-import-growth-slows

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Cite as: Uruguay agricultural trade and domestic market trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uruguay-agricultural-trade-and-domestic-market-trends