The European Union commended Uruguay's macroeconomic stability and open trade framework during the WTO Trade Policy Review on 10 June 2026, while pressing for further integration within MERCOSUR, adoption of digital trade rules, and reforms in public procurement. Deputy Permanent Representative Antonio Fernandez-Martos delivered the statement on behalf of the EU, welcoming Uruguay's resilience amid global shocks and its commitment to the multilateral trading system.
Fernandez-Martos highlighted Uruguay's average annual growth of 1.2% between 2018 and 2024 and sustained high employment, reaching 59% in 2025. The EU praised Uruguay's prudent macroeconomic policies, low inflation focus, and structural reforms. The statement noted Uruguay's active role in WTO work on micro, small and medium enterprises, trade and gender, and e-commerce, as well as its participation in the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA).
The EU invited Uruguay to join the E-Commerce Agreement and to accede to the Government Procurement Agreement, welcoming the announcement by Vice-Secretary Csukasi of Uruguay's intention to participate as an observer. On sustainability, the EU appreciated Uruguay's long-term climate ambition, including its 2050 carbon neutrality goal, and its engagement in WTO dialogues on plastics pollution and environmental sustainability.
Bilaterally, the EU noted the signing of the EU-MERCOSUR Association Agreement and the Interim Trade Agreement on 17 January 2026, which entered into provisional application on 1 May 2026. The EU welcomed Uruguay's swift completion of internal procedures and looked forward to full implementation. The EU also expressed hope for a swift conclusion of an Article XXVIII GATT agreement on tariff-rate quota (TRQ) allocation following the UK's withdrawal from the EU.
The EU posed four specific requests for additional information: practical steps to deepen intra-MERCOSUR trade integration, including updated rules of origin and digital certificates; customs modernization and trade facilitation; Uruguay's broader international trade agenda, including the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA); and updates on public procurement reform to enhance transparency, competition, and foreign supplier participation.
The statement signals continued EU support for Uruguay's trade openness, benefiting Uruguayan exporters and foreign investors, particularly in services and digital sectors. It also encourages MERCOSUR integration, which could reduce trade costs for regional producers. However, domestic firms in Uruguay may face increased competition from foreign bidders if procurement reforms advance. EU businesses stand to gain from improved market access and regulatory predictability under the new trade agreement.