Trade Opportunities between Argentina and Uruguay: Identification of Strategic Sectors Based on Export Indicators (2022–2024)

Introduction: the trade relationship between Argentina and Uruguay, marked by productive complementarities and structural asymmetries, provides a favorable context for identifying strategic sectors that can strengthen Argentina’s regional export insertion. Geographical proximity, institutional ties within MERCOSUR, and longstanding economic connections reinforce the need for indicator-based analysis. Objective: this study aims to identify the strategic sectors with the greatest potential for Argentina’s commercial insertion into the Uruguayan market during the 2022–2024 period. Based on a quantitative analysis using foreign trade indicators, the objective is to provide empirical evidence to guide both public policy and business decision-making, with the goal of strengthening regional integration, diversifying Argentina’s export supply, and enhancing its competitive positioning within the framework of MERCOSUR. Methods: a quantitative and comparative methodology was applied using official foreign trade data for the period 2022–2024. The analysis focused on the 37 main tariff lines exported by Argentina to Uruguay, classified according to the MERCOSUR Common Nomenclature (at the 8-digit level), using four indicators: Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, Grubel-Lloyd Index, Trade Overlap Index, and the Symmetric Revealed Comparative Advantage Index. Additionally, the Trade Intensity Index and the Bilateral Trade Complementarity Index were calculated to contextualize the structural dynamics. Results: findings confirm a predominantly inter-industry trade pattern, with moderate concentration and low structural overlap, revealing structural advantages for Argentina’s export supply. Pet food was identified as a strategic sector due to its high revealed comparative advantage, limited domestic competition in Uruguay, and direct access to consumers. The analysis also showed exceptionally high bilateral trade intensity and moderate structural complementarity between the two economies. Conclusions: the methodological approach proved effective in detecting export opportunities based on quantitative indicators. The findings provide evidence to support targeted trade promotion policies and offer a replicable framework for assessing strategic sectors in other regional markets.