Uruguay’s leather exports declined during the first half of 2026, although the sector showed signs of recovery in June 2026, according to the latest report released by Uruguay XXI, the country’s export, investment and country brand promotion agency and reports from multiple media outlets.
Exports of leather and leather products totalled $35 million during January – June 2026, marking a 19% decline from $44 million recorded during the same period in 2025.
Monthly performance, however, pointed to an improvement. Leather exports reached $7 million in June, representing a 13% increase compared to $6 million exported in June 2025.
Separate shipment data from Datamar also reflected weaker export activity during the year. Uruguay exported 46 TEUs (20-foot container) of leather and leather products during the first five months of 2026, compared to 75 TEUs in the corresponding period of 2025.
The fur and fur garment segment also recorded lower exports during the first half of the year. According to Uruguay XXI, exports totalled $2 million, down 9% from $3 million in the first half of 2025.
On a monthly basis, the segment remained below $1 million in June but registered an 11% increase compared to the same month last year.
While Uruguay’s leather exports remained below 2025 levels during the first six months of the year, the YoY growth recorded in June suggests export activity improved toward the end of the reporting period.
French Leather Industry Exports Fall 3.5% to €4.55 Billion in Q1 of 2026
