Uruguay
Uruguay exported 548,000 tons of beef for $2.7B in 2025 at record $5,000+/ton; cellulose ($2.54B) became top export surpassing beef.
Uruguay exemplifies niche specialization in agricultural exports. This small South American nation of 3.5 million people exports to over 160 countries, with 80%+ of goods exports agricultural-based. In 2025, beef exports reached record levels: 548,000 metric tons generating $2.7 billion at an average price exceeding $5,000 per ton for the first time—19% above previous year. Total livestock sector revenue hit $4.7 billion including live cattle exports approaching $400 million.
The export structure shifted: cellulose became Uruguay's top export in 2024, reaching $2.54 billion (20% of goods exports), surpassing beef for the first time. This reflects deliberate forestry investment over decades. The economy grew 3.5% in 2025, with agriculture up 11% driven by soybeans and energy expanding 20%. China absorbs the largest share of exports, a position held since 2013.
Uruguay's 12 million cattle (3.4 per person) are predominantly pasture-raised—a differentiator valued in high-income markets for flavor, welfare, and sustainability credentials. This positions Uruguay in premium export segments rather than commodity competition. The country combines agricultural prowess with political stability, strong institutions, and market-friendly policies—attributes that make it South America's least corrupt nation and a regional haven for investment. Uruguay demonstrates that small nations can thrive through deep specialization and institutional quality rather than scale or resource endowment.