EX-99.D 2 d303608dex99d.htm DESCRIPTION OF REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY Description of Republica Oriental del Uruguay

Exhibit 99.D

Description of

República Oriental del Uruguay

September 1, 2022

 

D-1


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     PAGE  

Recent Developments

     D-3  

Introduction

     D-13  

República Oriental Del Uruguay

     D-16  

Environmental, Social and Governance Matters

     D-22  

The Economy

     D-31  

Gross Domestic Product and Structure of the Economy

     D-49  

Foreign Merchandise Trade

     D-54  

Foreign Trade on Services

     D-58  

Balance of Payments

     D-60  

Monetary Policy and Inflation

     D-64  

The Banking Sector

     D-70  

Securities Markets

     D-78  

Public Sector Finances

     D-79  

Fiscal Policy

     D-83  

Public Sector Debt

     D-87  

Tables and Supplemental Information

     D-99  

 

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The information contained in this section supplements the information about Uruguay corresponding to the headings below that are contained in this Exhibit 99.D to Uruguay’s annual report on Form 18-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

REPÚBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY

COVID-19 Pandemic

On April 5, 2022, the government declared the end of the COVID-19 health emergency.

As of August 27, 2022, and from the commencement of the COVID-19 health emergency on March 13, 2020, Uruguay had confirmed 276,363 COVID-19 cases per million people and the number of cumulative COVID-19-related fatalities was 2,101 per million people. Under Uruguay’s immunization plan, as of August 30, 2022, more than 3 million people had been vaccinated with at least one dose, representing almost 85% of the total population, and almost 2.9 million people had been vaccinated with both doses, which represents approximately 82% of the total population. In addition, as of the aforementioned date, more than 2.0 million people had received a third booster shot, which represents over 58% of the total population, and more than 770,000 people had received a fourth booster shot, representing almost 22% of the total population. Taken together, the average number of doses per person was 2.46 as of August 30, 2022.

Foreign Policy, International Agreements and Membership in Regional Organizations

On April 23, 2022, Uruguay and Turkey signed an agreement for the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, which as of the date of this annual report is pending to be approved by the Uruguayan Congress. Other bilateral promotion and reciprocal protection investment treaties are currently being negotiated with Qatar, Colombia and Saudi Arabia.

On June 9, 2022, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay and Brazil signed a protocol for the reduction of the common external tariff on certain products produced in free trade zones and special customs areas.

On July 13, 2022, the government announced the commencement of negotiations to reach a free trade agreement with China, following a positive feasibility analysis.

On July 20, 2022, Mercosur concluded negotiations for a commercial agreement with Singapore, which is pending signature and entry into force as of the date of this annual report.

ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE MATERS

Environmental Matters

As of January 1, 2022, fuels with carbon dioxide (“CO2”) emissions became subject to the Internal Specific Tax (Impuesto Específico Interno or “IMESI”), applied to the first sale of such fuels. CO2 emissions from the combustion of gasoline are subject to a tax that partially replaces the IMESI, applied per liter of gasoline. The government will adjust the tax rate per liter of gasoline on an annual basis, according to the information provided by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining and based on the updated Consumer Price Index.

The government has made progress in the promotion of green hydrogen production:

 

   

In March 2022, the government launched a competitive bidding process for local companies and consortiums formed by national and foreign companies to participate in the development of a pilot project plan for the promotion of green hydrogen, particularly in the transport sector. The plan includes a non-refundable monetary contribution from the government of up to US$10.0 million, to be awarded and distributed within ten years as from the project’s start of operations. The aim is for the project to be operational by December 2025. The project garnered support from the United Nations Joint Fund for Sustainable Development Goals.

 

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In May, 2022, the government launched a public consultation process with the objective of preparing the second Nationally Determined Contribution (“NDC”) under the Paris Agreement, which will remain under public consultation until September 30, 2022. The second NDC will set climate change mitigation and adaptation goals for 2030, and is expected to be presented by December 2022.

 

   

In June 2022, the government launched a national plan for the implementation and development of green hydrogen production and its derivatives, which was prepared by an inter-institutional group coordinated by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining and supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (“IDB”). The inter-institutional group is also comprised of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works, the National Ports Administration, the National Agency for Research and Innovation, Uruguay XXI, ANCAP, UTE and the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay. The plan comprises six lines of action: innovation, investments, infrastructure, regulation, offshore activities and communication and building-capacities.

THE ECONOMY

The Economic Policies of the Lacalle Pou Administration

The 2020-2024 Budget Law introduced a new rule-based fiscal framework, which includes a cap to the Central Government’s annual incurrence of net indebtedness. For 2022, the legal limit is set at US$2,100 million (lower than the cap of US$2,300 million set for 2021). This borrowing framework also includes a safeguard clause, with a limited and clearly defined set of events that can trigger it (such as severe economic downturns, substantial changes in relative prices, states of emergency or nationwide disasters). When invoked, the clause allows for up to an additional 30% increase of the authorized baseline net indebtedness amount.

On March 27, 2022, a public referendum was held to repeal 135 articles of the Urgent Consideration Law No. 19,889 promulgated on July 9, 2020 (the “Urgent Consideration Law”), regarding certain key initiatives and structural reforms pursued by the Lacalle Pou administration. The result of the referendum was not to overturn such articles, leaving the Urgent Consideration Law in effect as initially promulgated by the Lacalle Pou administration.

Role of the State in the Economy

On June 23, 2022, as part of the Open Uruguay Round, ANCAP awarded three additional blocks on the continental shelf for oil and gas exploration. In order to proceed with the signature of the contracts and to start the investment related to the proposed activities, ANCAP must submit its decision for the government’s consideration.

Large-scale Foreign Direct Investments, Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development and CREMAF contracts

On July 5, July 12 and August 1, 2022, the government signed agreements for three projects under the Construction, Rehabilitation, Maintenance and Financing contracts (“CREMAF”) for a total amount of US$449 million. For a description of the CREMAF contracts see “The Economy—Role of the State in the Economy.”

Social Security Reform

In July 2022, the Executive Power submitted to the ruling political coalition and the opposition parties a draft bill for the reform of the pension system. On July 29, 2022, the government published the draft bill on its website.

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY

The following table sets forth information regarding GDP and expenditures in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021.

 

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Change in GDP by Expenditure(1)

(volume variation from previous year)

 

     January-March
2021/2022
 

Government and Non-Profit Institutions Serving Households (“NPISH”) consumption

     4.7

Private consumption

     6.9

Gross fixed investment

     13.7

Exports of goods and services

     23.5

Imports of goods and services

     16.6

Total GDP

     8.3

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

Source: Banco Central.

Principal Sectors of the Economy

The following table sets forth information regarding GDP and expenditures in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the first quarter of 2021.

Change in GDP by Sector(1)

(volume variation from previous year)

 

     January-March
2021/2022
 

Primary activities(2)

     3.6

Manufacturing

     6.4

Electricity, gas and water

     (0.5 )% 

Construction

     11.2

Commerce, restaurants and hotels

     9.1

Transportation, storage, information and communications

     14.4

Financial Services

     3.4

Professional activities and leasing

     10.0

Public administration activities

     (0.2 )% 

Health, education, real estate and other services

     10.7
  

 

 

 

Total GDP

     8.3
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

Data includes agriculture, livestock, fishing and mining.

Source: Banco Central.

Uruguay’s real GDP increased 8.3% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. This increase in real GDP was mainly driven by increases in the health, education, real estate, commerce, restaurants and hotels, transportation, storage, information and communications, manufacturing and other services sectors, which had been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the three-month period ended March 31, 2021.

Primary activities grew by 3.6% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, mainly driven by an increase in rice and meat production. In addition, average milk powder prices rose from 4,224 US$/ton as of March 31, 2021, to 4,677 US$/ton as of March 31, 2022, on average.

The manufacturing sector grew by 6.4% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, mainly due to (i) an increase in meat-packing driven by robust commodity prices as well as an increase in external demand and in the production of syrups, concentrates and automobiles, and (ii) a decrease in the production of fiberboard mainly due to a temporary closure for maintenance of one of the production plants during the three-month period ended March 31, 2022.

 

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The electricity, gas and water sector contracted by 0.5% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, mainly due to an increase in fossil fuel energy generation, which generates a lower value added than renewable energy sources.

The construction sector increased by 11.2% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, mainly due to an increase in the construction of housing and, to a lesser extent, the construction of a second paper pulp mill by UPM. In addition, work related to the construction of a new railway line and the improvement of the road and highway infrastructure. See “The Economy—Role of the State in the Economy—Large-scale Foreign Direct Investments and Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development.”

The commerce, restaurants and hotel sectors grew by 9.1% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, mainly driven by an increase in the wholesale and retail trade and a higher demand for restaurants and hotel services from inbound tourism, given the re-opening of borders following a decrease in COVID-19 cases.

The transportation, storage, information and communications sector grew by 14.4% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, mainly driven by a strong recovery in passenger transport services due to the loosening of the mobility restrictions adopted as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, the value added from information, communication technology and the use of data services increased.

The financial services sector grew by 3.4% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, driven by an expansion of the local currency financial market, mainly due to an increase in the stock of peso-denominated credits and deposits.

The health, education, real estate and other services sector grew by 10.7% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, mainly due to an increase in real estate activities as a result of larger inbound tourism, as well as an increase in entertainment and artistic activities due to the loosening of the measures implemented by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. Additionally, education services increased, mainly driven by the return to in-person school attendance.

Employment, Labor and Wages

Employment

According to estimates by the National Statistics Institute, the employment rate stood at 56.7% in June 2022 compared to 55.4% in June 2021 and the unemployment rate stood at 8.4% in June 2022, compared to 9.4% in June 2021.

In May 2022, the number of health insurance beneficiaries stood at 58,387, compared to 105,019 in May 2021. In May 2022, the number of unemployment insurance beneficiaries stood at 47,491, including partial insurance, compared to 82,699 in May 2021. The decrease in the number of health insurance and unemployment insurance beneficiaries is mainly due to the loosening of the measures implemented by the government in 2020 and 2021 to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wages

For the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022, average real wages decreased by 1.7% compared to a 1.6% decrease for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021.

FOREIGN MERCHANDISE TRADE

Merchandise exports for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022 totaled US$11,330 million, compared to US$7,851 million for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021. Merchandise imports totaled US$11,890 million for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022, compared to US$8,547 million for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021.

 

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Merchandise trade for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022, recorded a surplus of US$365 million, compared to a deficit of US$70 million for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021.

FOREIGN TRADE ON SERVICES

In the six-month period ended June 30, 2022, gross tourism receipts accounted for US$650 million and the number of tourist arrivals amounted to 909,383, mainly composed of domestic and Argentine tourists.

BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

Current Account

In the 12-month period ended March 31, 2022, Uruguay’s current account recorded a deficit of US$1,081 million, compared to a deficit of US$966 million in the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021. The decrease in the current account balance was mainly attributable to a higher primary income deficit, which was partially offset by an increase in the trade balance of goods and services balance.

Capital Account

In the 12-month period ended March 31, 2022, Uruguay’s capital account recorded a surplus of US$1 million, compared to a surplus of US$42 million in the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021.

Financial Account

In the 12-month period ended March 31, 2022, Uruguay’s financial account recorded a net borrowing (inflows) with the rest of the world of US$215 million, compared to a US$486 million net lending in the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021. In the 12-month period ended March 31, 2022, FDI, other investments and financial derivatives recorded net inflows of US$2.2 billion, while portfolio investments recorded net outflows of US$982 million. Banco Central’s reserve assets increased US$1 billion in the 12-month period ended March 31, 2022, compared to a US$528 million increase in the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021, mostly driven by an increase in deposits, which was partially offset by net sales of reserves.

Errors and Omissions

In the 12-month period ended March 31, 2022, errors and omissions recorded a positive value of US$865 million compared to US$1.4 billion in the 12-month period ended March 31, 2021.

International Reserves

As of July 31, 2022, Banco Central’s international reserve assets totaled US$15.9 billion (of which gold represented US$5.8 million). This amount includes US$7.6 billion of reserves and voluntary deposits of the financial sector, including US$3.4 billion of public banks, with Banco Central.

MONETARY POLICY AND INFLATION

Monetary Policy

On January 5 and February 16, 2022, Banco Central increased the reference interest rate (Monetary Policy Rate) by 75 bps to 6.5% and 7.25%, respectively. Further, on April 7, 2022, May 17, 2022, July 6, 2022, and August 15, Banco Central increased the Monetary Policy Rate by 125 bps, 75 bps, 50 bps and 50 bps, to 8.5%, 9.25%, 9.75% and 10.25%, respectively.

 

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Inflation

The following table shows changes in consumer prices (CPI) and wholesale prices (WPI) for the period indicated.

Changes in CPI and WPI

(% change from previous year at period end)

 

     CPI  

For the twelve months ended July 31, 2022

     9.56

 

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

 

     WPI  

For the twelve months ended July 31, 2022

     14.19

 

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

The main drivers of the monthly variation of the CPI came from increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, healthcare services, transportation and restaurants and hotels.

The weighted average annual interest rate for 91 to 180-day term deposits in U.S. dollars in the banking system was 0.2% and 0.1% in June 2022 and June 2021, respectively. The weighted average annual interest rate for 91 to 180-day term deposits in pesos in the banking system was 7.8% and 4.5% in June 2022 and June 2021, respectively.

The following table shows the value in pesos of the UI as of July 31, 2022.

 

     UI

Value in pesos as of July 31, 2022

   Ps. 5.4640

 

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

The following table shows the value in pesos of the UP as of April 30, 2022.

 

     UP

Value in pesos as of July 31, 2022

   Ps. 1.35510

 

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

Foreign Exchange Market

The following table shows the high, low, average and period-end peso/U.S. dollar exchange rates for the period indicated.

Exchange Rates (1)

(pesos per US$)

 

     High      Low      Average      Period-End  

For the 12 months ended July 31, 2022

     44.731        39.074        42.547        40.934  

 

(1)

Daily interbank end-of-day bid rates.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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FISCAL POLICY

2020-2024 Budget

On June 30, 2022, the Ministry of Economy and Finance submitted the 2021 Rendición de Cuentas to Congress. The following table shows the government’s main macroeconomic assumptions and policy targets for 2022 included therein.

Main Macroeconomic Assumptions and Targets for 2022 included in the 2021 Rendición de Cuentas

 

Real GDP Growth

     4.8%  

Annual Average Domestic Inflation (CPI)

     8.9%  

Public Sector Primary Balance(1)

     (0.1)% of GDP  

Public Sector Overall Balance(1)

     (3.5)% of GDP  

Central Government-Banco de Prevision Social (“BPS”) Overall Balance(1)

     (3.1)% of GDP  

 

(1)

Excludes transfers to the Social Security Trust Fund estimated at 0.2% of GDP, driven by the effects of the Cincuentones Law.

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance.

While the government believes that its assumptions and targets for the Uruguayan economy were reasonable when formulated, actual outcomes are beyond its control or significant influence, and will depend on future events. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that economic results (including real GDP growth and inflation) and the government’s fiscal performance in 2022 and thereafter, will not differ materially from the assumptions, targets and estimates set forth above. Furthermore, during the course of 2022, the government may further adjust the macroeconomic assumptions to reflect the latest developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine conflict, among other domestic and external factors.

The 2021 Rendición de Cuentas contemplates the allocation of additional resources, beyond those set in the 2020-2024 Budget Law, to education, research, development and innovation, and public safety. The additional spending related to education is estimated at US$45 million and US$55 million for 2023 and 2024, respectively. The government also estimates to allocate an additional US$10 million to encourage research, development and innovation and US$4 million annually to the National Agency of Investigation and Innovation (ANII), during both 2023 and 2024. Finally, the additional expense for public safety is estimated at US$27 million and US$22 million for 2023 and 2024, respectively.

In addition, to foster the long-term growth of the economy, the 2021 Rendición de Cuentas provides for public policies related to international trade and commercial affairs, mitigation and adaptation of climate change, infrastructure investments, the development of the domestic capital market and buttressing the de-dollarization of the economy.

On July 7, 2022, the Fiscal Advisory Council concluded that the calculation of the structural fiscal balance presented in the 2021 Rendición de Cuentas was in accordance with the official methodology.

PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCES

In the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022, Uruguay’s overall public sector deficit represented approximately 2.6% of GDP, compared to an overall public sector deficit of 4.5% of GDP in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021. Excluding inflows to the public social security trust fund from changes to Uruguay’s social security system known as “Cincuentones Law” (estimated at 0.3% of GDP in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022, and 0.7% of GDP in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021), Uruguay’s overall public sector deficit stood at 2.9% of GDP (based on preliminary data), compared to 5.2% of GDP in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021. See “Fiscal Policy—Social Security.”

In the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022, Uruguay’s central government-BPS deficit represented approximately 2.6% of GDP (based on preliminary data), compared to a deficit of 4.2% of GDP in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021. Excluding inflows to the public social security trust fund Uruguay’s central government-BPS deficit stood at 2.9% of GDP in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2022 (based on preliminary data), compared to a deficit of 4.9% of GDP in the 12-month period ended June 30, 2021.

 

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PUBLIC SECTOR DEBT

Central Government Debt

Debt information includes loans contracted, and debt securities issued, by the central government in domestic and foreign currency, in both local and international markets, and held or disbursed by private, multilateral, and/or other domestic or foreign public sector entities. Debt information includes central government securities held by the public Social Security Trust Fund and the SIGA trust funds (underpinning loan guarantees to small and medium-sized firms), and exclude central government securities privately placed to capitalize Banco Central in previous years.

The government’s financial assets include liquid assets, in both local and foreign currency, held by the National Treasury at the Central Bank and the state-owned BROU (as defined below), including the credit balances of governmental agencies considered in the National Budget. It also includes other financial claims of the Central Government on public sector entities (as a result of loan disbursements contracted by the Republic on behalf of these entities), as well as assets under management in the SIGA trust funds. These other financial claims exclude assets under management of the Social Security Trust Fund (tied to the Cincuentones Law) and trust funds of restructured mortgage loans administered by the National Housing Agency.

The following table sets forth information regarding gross debt, financial assets and net debt of the central government outstanding as of June 30, 2022.

Central Government Debt

(in millions of US$, except as otherwise indicated)

 

     As of June 30, 2022  

Gross Debt

   US$ 39,155  

Of which

  

(% in foreign currency)

     47.1

(% in local currency)

     52.9

Of which

  

Nominal

     6.5

CPI-linked

     33.1

Wage-linked

     13.3

Financial Assets

     3,260  

Net Debt

   US$ 35,895  

 

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance.

As of June 30, 2022, 47.1% of the total gross central government debt was denominated in foreign currencies and 52.9% in pesos, compared to 52.5% and 47.5%, respectively, as of June 30, 2021.

As of June 30, 2022, the central government’s debt service obligations (principal payments and interest expenses) for the following 12 months stood at approximately US$3.6 billion.

 

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The following table reflects the central government’s uses and sources of funds budgeted for 2022 and 2023.

Central Government Financing Needs and Funding Sources

(in millions of US$)

 

     2022(1)      Budgeted for 2023(1)  

Financing Needs

   US$ 4,479      US$ 4,185  

Primary Deficit(2)

     544        195  

Interest Payments(3)

     1,682        1,773  

Amortizations of Bonds and Loans(4)

     1,962        1,850  

Accumulation of Financial Assets

     291        367  

Funding Sources

     4,479        4,185  

Loan Disbursements from Multilaterals and Financials Institutions

     550        350  

Total Issuance of Market Debt(5)

     3,714        3,710  

Others (net)(6)

     214        125  

 

(1)

Preliminary data. The sum of the components may differ from the totals due to rounding.

(2)

Excludes extraordinary transfers to the Social Security Trust Fund.

(3)

Includes interest payments to the Social Security Trust Fund on its holdings of central government debt, but does not net out market price valuation gains on above-par bond issuances.

(4)

For 2022, includes the obligations coming due on a contractual basis and bonds repurchased and early redeemed through June 30, 2022.

(5)

Includes bonds issued domestically and in international markets.

(6)

Includes exchange rate and market price valuation effects.

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Between January 1 and July 30, 2022, the central government issued peso-denominated treasury notes in the domestic market (linked to both the nominal wage index and CPI) for a total principal nominal amount equivalent to US$1.9 billion, including US$1 billion from an exchange offer consummated in February 2022, of short-term securities issued by Banco Central and the central government.

Between January 1 and July 30, 2022, the central government disbursed loans in foreign currency granted by the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank in an aggregate amount of U.S.$34 million.

As of June 30, 2022, credit lines available to Uruguay’s central government from IDB, CAF and FLAR (Latin American Reserve Fund), grant Uruguay access to contingency financing of approximately US$1.9 billion.

Total Public Sector Debt

The gross public sector debt (which includes direct debt of the central government as well as Banco Central bills and debt of public enterprises and local governments), totaled US$45.1 billion as of March 31, 2022, compared to US$39.4 billion as of March 31, 2021.

As of March 31, 2022, 46.8% of the total gross public sector debt was denominated in foreign currencies and 53.2% in Uruguayan pesos, compared to 50.0% and 50.0%, respectively, as of March 31, 2021.

Public Sector External Debt

The following table sets forth the total public sector external debt, net of international reserve assets and certain other external assets of Banco Central, as of March 31, 2022.

 

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Total Public Sector External Debt, Net of International Reserve Assets

(in millions of US$)

 

     As of
March 31, 2022(1)
 

Total gross public sector external debt

   US$ 21,977  

Less external assets:

  

Non-financial public sector

     214  

Banco Central(2)

     17,866  

Of which:

  

Banco Central international reserve assets(3)

     16,645  

Other assets

     1,221  

Total public sector external debt, net of assets

   US$ 3,898  

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

(3)

Gold valued at London market priced as of March 31, 2022.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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INTRODUCTION

All references in this document to the “government” are to the government of the República Oriental del Uruguay (“Uruguay” or the “Republic”) and references to the “central government” are to the central government of Uruguay (which includes government agencies, such as the Banco de Previsión Social and other subdivisions and excludes financial and nonfinancial public sector institutions). All references in this document to (i) the Uruguayan “public sector” includes the central government, Banco Central, public enterprises, local governments and other public sector entities, and (ii) the “overall public sector” are to the central government and financial and nonfinancial public sector enterprises, excluding Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay and Banco Hipotecario, local governments and other public sector entities.

The terms set forth below have the following meanings in this document:

 

   

Gross domestic product, or GDP, means the total value of final products and services produced in Uruguay during the relevant period, using nominal prices. Real GDP instead measures GDP based on 2016 prices (in accordance with the Integral Revision of the National Accounts published by Banco Central del Uruguay (“Banco Central”) in December 2020) to eliminate distortions introduced by changes in relative prices and the base year.

 

   

Imports are calculated based upon (1) for purposes of foreign trade in the “Recent Developments—Foreign Merchandise Trade” section, statistics reported to Uruguayan customs upon entry of goods into Uruguay (excluding imports from free trade zones) on a cost, insurance and freight included basis (referred to as CIF basis) and (2) for purposes of “Balance of Payments” and the “Foreign Merchandise Trade” sections, statistics collected on a free on board basis (including imports from free trade zones) at a given departure location (referred to as FOB basis).

 

   

Exports are calculated based upon (1) for purposes of foreign trade in the “Recent Developments—Foreign Merchandise Trade” section, statistics reported to Uruguayan customs upon departure of goods from Uruguay (excluding exports from free trade zones) on a free on board, or FOB, basis and (2) for purposes of “Balance of Payments” and in the “Foreign Merchandise Trade” sections, statistics collected on a FOB basis (including exports from free trade zones).

 

   

The rate of inflation is measured by the December to December percentage change in the consumer price index or CPI, unless otherwise specified. The CPI is calculated on a weighted basket of consumer goods and services using a monthly averaging method. December to December rates are calculated by comparing the indices for the latest December against the indices for the prior December.

References herein to “US$,” “$,” “U.S. dollars” or “dollars” are to United States dollars. References herein to “Uruguayan pesos,” “pesos,” or “Ps.” are to the lawful currency of Uruguay. Unless otherwise stated, Uruguay has converted historical amounts translated into U.S. dollars or pesos at historical annual average exchange rates. References to “Euro” or “€” are to the lawful currency of the Member States of the European Union that have adopted the single currency in accordance with the treaty establishing the European Community, as amended by the Treaty on European Union. References to “JPY” or “yen” or “¥” are to Japanese yen. Translations of pesos to dollars, Euros or yen (or dollars to Euros or yen) have been made for the convenience of the reader only and should not be construed as a representation that the amounts in question have been, could have been or could be converted into dollars, euros or yen at any particular rate or at all.

References herein to “UIs” are to Unidades Indexadas. UIs are inflation-indexed monetary units. The UI is calculated by the National Institute of Statistics (Instituto Nacional de Estadística or “INE”) as provided and published monthly in advance for each day from the 6th day of each month to the 5th day of the following month by INE and Banco Central del Uruguay. The UI changes on a daily basis to reflect changes in the consumer price index (Indice de Precios al Consumo or IPC), which is measured by the INE. The UI for each day is set in advance based on changes in previous months’ inflation.

References herein to “UPs” are to Unidades Previsionales. UPs are wage-indexed monetary units. The UP is calculated by the INE as provided and published monthly in advance for each day of the month. The UP changes

 

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on a daily basis to reflect changes in the nominal wages index (Indice Medio de Salarios Nominales or “IMSN”), which is measured by the INE. The UP for each day is set in advance based on changes in previous months’ nominal wage changes.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not report a noon buying rate for Uruguayan pesos.

The fiscal year of the government ends on December 31. Accordingly, all annual information presented herein is based upon January 1 to December 31 periods, unless otherwise indicated. Totals in some tables in this document may differ from the sum of the individual items in those tables due to rounding.

Uruguay’s official financial and economic statistics are subject to a review process by Banco Central, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and the Uruguay National Institute of Statistics, and audited by the Audit Court (Tribunal de Cuentas). Accordingly, the financial and economic information in this document may be subsequently adjusted or revised. Certain information and data contained herein for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is preliminary, and subject to further adjustment or revision. The government believes that this practice is substantially similar to the practices of many industrialized nations. The government does not expect revisions to be material, but cannot assure you that material changes will not be made.

On December 17, 2020, Banco Central conducted a periodic re-basing of its national account calculations (including GDP), updating the base year of such calculations from 2005 to 2016, which implied a GDP increase in nominal terms compared to prior measurements. This re-basing has resulted in increases of the GDP in nominal terms of 7.9% in 2017, 8.3% in 2018 and 9.7% in 2019, in each case, when compared to prior measurements. These differences are mainly related to the greater coverage in certain economic activities that incorporated new sources of information. As a result, the relative weight of the composition of GDP by sectors has changed, with an increase in the weight of primary activities. Regarding the composition of GDP by expenditure, the re-basing increased the weight of exports and imports of goods and services compared to final consumption spending, mainly due to the greater coverage in certain activities that incorporated new sources of information, such as IT services and other services.

Given that the re-based GDP series by Banco Central begins as of 2016, the Ministry of Economy and Finance conducted a backcasting of GDP series back to 1987 using the rate of change as a statistical backcasting technique. That technique, which is part of the so-called “indicator method”, consists of applying the rates of change of the GDP calculated with the old base to the level of the GDP calculated with the new base. The source for the backcasting technique is the National Accounts Statistics prepared and published by the Central Bank of Uruguay (CBU).

 

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SUMMARY

(in millions of US$, except as otherwise indicated)

 

    2017(1)     2018(1)     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

THE ECONOMY

         

GDP (in millions of US$ at nominal prices)(2)

  US$ 64,284     US$ 64,487     US$ 61,182     US$ 53,559     US$ 59,319  

Real GDP (in millions of constant 2005 pesos)(2)

  Ps. 1,754,508     Ps. 1,762,893     Ps. 1,769,071     Ps. 1,660,778     Ps. 1,733,304  

% change from prior year

    1.6     0.5     0.4     (6.1 )%      4.4

Consumer price index or CPI (annual rate of change)

    6.6     8.0     8.8     9.4     8.0

Wholesale price index or WPI (annual rate of change)

    5.4     10.0     20.1     3.6     20.7

Unemployment rate (annual average)(3)

    7.9     8.3     8.9     10.4     9.4

Balance of payments(4)

         

Trade balance (merchandise)

    1,956.6       2,290.7       3,075.5       2,075.9       3,963.0  

Current account

    7.5       (266.4     980.4       (449.3     (1,092.2

Capital account

    19.6       45.7       (375.3     53.9       0.8  

Financial account

    915.2       (346.1     306.3       505.3       (1,066.3

Errors and omissions(5)

    888.1       (125.3     (298.7     900.7       25.2  

Change in Banco Central international reserve assets (period end)(6)

    2,448.7       (408.1     (1,110.6     1,629.8       828.7  

Banco Central international reserve assets (period end)(7)

    15,963 (8)      15,557 (9)      14,505 (10)      16,217 (11)      16,953 (12) 

PUBLIC FINANCE

         

Non-Monetary Public Sector Revenues

    17,728       18,646       17,289       15,004       16,595  

Non-Monetary Public Sector Primary Expenditures

    17,786       18,226       17,627       16,176       17,121  

Public Sector Primary Balance

    (125     311       (339     (1,130     (357

Public Sector Overall Balance (surplus/(deficit))

    (2,072     (1,730     (1,981     (2,762     (2,110

PUBLIC DEBT

         

Total public sector debt

         

Debt with non-residents(13)

    17,410       17,896       18,950       20,759       21,857  

Debt with residents

    21,477       20,565       18,309       19,164       20,542  

Total

    38,887       38,461       37,259       39,923       42,399  

As a % of GDP

    60.5     59.6     60.9     74.5     71.5

Total public sector external debt service

         

Amortizations

    1,491       1,226       2,298       2,306       1,478  

Interest payments

    839       971       945       924       950  

Total

    2,330       2,197       3,243       3,233       2,428  

As a % of exports of goods and services

    13.8     12.9     19.0     23.8     12.9

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Figures are not adjusted by purchasing power.

(3) 

Unemployment population as a percentage of the labor force.

(4)

Calculated in accordance with the methodology set forth in the IMF Balance of Payments Manual (Sixth Edition).

(5) 

Constitutes a residual item, which is periodically revised as additional information regarding the current and capital and financial accounts becomes available.

(6) 

Only records variations due to transactions (and not variations due to reevaluations or other variations such as accounting write-offs and cancellations, among others).

(7) 

As presented in this chart, gold reserves have been valued at their corresponding market prices as of December 31, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(8)

This amount includes US$5,558 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system with Banco Central, including US$2,461 million of public sector financial institutions.

(9)

This amount includes US$5,581 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system with Banco Central, including US$2,576 million of public sector financial institutions.

(10) 

This amount includes US$6,012 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system with Banco Central, including US$2,691 million of public sector financial institutions.

(11) 

This amount includes US$6,630 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system with Banco Central, including US$2,920 million of public sector financial institutions.

(12) 

This amount includes US$7,126 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system with Banco Central, including US$3,254 million of public sector financial institutions.

(13)

Excludes interest on non-resident banking deposits.

N.A. = Not Available.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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REPÚBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY

Territory and Population

Uruguay is located in the southern, subtropical zone of South America, bordering Argentina to the west and Brazil to the northeast. Its territory covers an area of approximately 176,000 square kilometers with a 500-kilometer coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Río de la Plata. Uruguay’s major cities are Montevideo, the nation’s capital and main port, Paysandú, Salto and Las Piedras.

According to the 2011 national census, Uruguay’s population of approximately 3.5 million is primarily of European origin and has a literacy rate above 98%. Approximately 95% of the population lives in urban areas and about 40% of the population resides in the Montevideo metropolitan area. The population growth rate averaged 0.2% per year for the period from 1985 to 2011, and is the lowest in South America. Uruguay is considered a high-income country by the World Bank. The following table sets forth comparative gross national income (“GNI”) figures and selected other comparative statistics as of December 31, 2021, unless otherwise indicated.

 

     Uruguay     Brazil     Chile     Mexico     United States  

GNI per capita(1)

   US$ 15,800     US$ 7,720     US$ 15,000     US$ 9,380     US$ 70,430  

PPP GNI per capita(2)

   US$ 22,540     US$ 15,550     US$ 27,410     US$ 19,540     US$ 70,480  

Life expectancy at birth(3)

     78       76       80       75       77  

Adult literacy rate(4)(5)

     98.8     93.2     96.4     95.2     N.A.  

Infant mortality per 1000 live births(6)

     5       13       6       12       5  

 

(1) 

World Bank Atlas method, 2021 data.

(2) 

Current US$, adjusted for purchasing power parity.

(3) 

In years. 2020 data.

(4) 

Percentage of people ages 15 and older.

(5) 

Uruguay’s and Brazil’s data corresponds to 2019, Chile’s to 2017 and Mexico’s to 2020. The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (“ECLAC”) does not prepare statistics on the United States’ adult literacy rate.

(6) 

2020 data.

N.A. = Not Available.

Source: The World Bank - World Development Indicators database and ECLAC.

Constitution, Government and Political Parties

Uruguay is organized politically as a republic and is geographically divided into 19 departments (districts). The 1967 Constitution, which was last amended in 2004, provides for a presidential system of government composed of three branches: executive, legislative and judiciary. The president heads the executive branch and is chief of staff and commander of the armed forces. The president is elected by direct popular vote for a period of five years and may not seek re-election for consecutive terms. Under Uruguay’s electoral system established under the 1996 constitutional reform, each political party selects a single candidate for presidential elections. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote in the first round of elections, a run-off between the two leading candidates is held. The legislative branch is composed of a 31-member Senate and a 99-member Chamber of Deputies, which together constitute the Congress. Members of Congress are elected every five years by direct popular vote under a system of proportional representation. The Supreme Court is composed of five judges appointed for 10-year terms by Congress. The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over selected constitutional matters and appellate jurisdiction over decisions rendered by lower courts. Uruguay’s judicial system consists of trial and appellate courts with jurisdiction in each case over civil, criminal, family and labor matters. In addition, Uruguay has an administrative court system with jurisdiction over several public sector matters.

Uruguay has been a democratic country throughout most of its history since it became an independent nation in 1825. The country’s democratic tradition was interrupted twice during the last century: once briefly in the 1930s and again during the period from 1973 to 1985. In June 1973, a military junta took over power, dissolved Congress and suspended all voting activity. Military rule continued until November 1984, when democratic elections were held and voters elected Julio María Sanguinetti as president.

 

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Until the 2004 presidential and congressional elections, Uruguay’s two traditional political parties, the Partido Colorado and the Partido Nacional, had alternated holding the presidential office. Since appearing on Uruguay’s political landscape in 1971 as a coalition of, among others, the Christian Democratic, Socialist and Communist parties, the Frente Amplio gained increasing support and, in October 2004, won victories in the presidential and congressional elections, remaining in power until March 2020. In addition to these three main political parties, other smaller political parties occupy Uruguay’s political field, such as (i) the Partido Independiente, which split from the Frente Amplio before the 1989 elections, (ii) the Unidad Popular, party formed in 2013 by several smaller political groups, (iii) the Partido Ecologista Radical Intransigente, a political party founded in 2013 and based on the principles of green politics, such as environmentalism, (iv) the Partido de la Gente, party founded in 2016 and (v) the Cabildo Abierto, a party founded in 2019.

Presidential elections were held on October 27, 2019. Mr. Daniel Martínez Villamil, from Frente Amplio, received 39.02% of the votes cast; Mr. Luis Lacalle Pou, from Partido Nacional, received 28.62% of the votes cast; Mr. Ernesto Talvi, from Partido Colorado, received 12.34% of the votes cast; Mr. Guido Manini Ríos, from Cabildo Abierto, received 11.04% of the votes cast; Mr. César Vega from Partido Ecologista Radical Intransigente received 1.38% of the votes cast; Mr. Edgardo Novick, from Partido de la Gente, received 1.08% of the votes cast and Mr. Pablo Mieres, from Partido Independiente, received 0.97% of the votes cast. Based on these results, Mr. Martínez Villamil and Mr. Lacalle Pou participated in the runoff election on November 24, 2019, and Mr. Lacalle Pou from Partido Nacional won the national presidential election with 50.79% of the votes cast. Mr. Lacalle Pou took office on March 1, 2020, succeeding Mr. Tabaré Vázquez Rosas. Mr. Lacalle Pou leads an informal political coalition known as Coalición Multicolor, comprised of the Partido Nacional, Partido Colorado, Cabildo Abierto, Partido Independiente and Partido de la Gente.

Congressional elections were also held on October 27, 2019, in which the Coalición Multicolor obtained the majority of seats in both houses of Congress. The congressional representation of each of the seven parties elected for the 2020-2025 term is as follows:

 

     Senate     Chamber of Deputies  
     Seats      %     Seats      %  

Coalición Multicolor

     17        54.8     55        55.5

Partido Nacional

     10        32.2       30        30.3  

Partido Colorado

     4        12.9       13        13.1  

Cabildo Abierto

     3        9.7       11        11.1  

Partido Independiente

     —          —         1        1.0  

Frente Amplio

     13        41.9     42        42.4

Partido Ecologista Radical Intransigente

     —          —         1        1.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(1)

     31        100     99        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

The Vice President, currently Mrs. Beatriz Argimón Cedeira of the Partido Nacional, occupies the thirty-first seat in the Senate.

The Lacalle Pou administration has the following goals of economic policy:

 

   

reaching an inclusive and sustainable level of economic growth, supported by a steady development of Uruguay’s productive capacity, productivity and competitiveness;

 

   

implementing a fiscal policy that (i) preserves debt sustainability, with investment grade status and, thus, investment and employment, and (ii) promotes fiscal discipline through a new fiscal rule that aims at reducing inefficient government spending in order to converge to potential GDP growth rates;

 

   

promoting a social security reform, which is currently being discussed at a political level;

 

   

improving internal public security;

 

   

improving foreign trade and services integration so as to optimize comparative advantages between countries and, thus, promote growth and employment. Seeking partnerships with other trading partners; and

 

D-17


   

improving the governance of public companies.

Foreign Policy and Membership in International and Regional Organizations

Uruguay has had no significant regional or international conflicts in recent years. The Republic has focused its foreign policy on international economic, political and legal issues and on the development of international arrangements aimed at improving economic cooperation among nations, conflict resolution and international law. Uruguay maintains diplomatic relations with 172 countries and is a member of 105 international organizations, including:

 

   

the United Nations (UN) (founding member), including many of its specialized agencies;

 

   

the Organization of American States (OAS);

 

   

the World Trade Organization (WTO);

 

   

the International Monetary Fund (IMF);

 

   

the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the World Bank (IBRD);

 

   

the International Finance Corporation (IFC);

 

   

the Multilateral Investment Guaranty Agency (MIGA);

 

   

the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID);

 

   

the Latin American Reserve Fund (FLAR);

 

   

the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB);

 

   

the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC);

 

   

the Financial Fund for the Development of the Countries of the River Plate Basin (FONPLATA);

 

   

the Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF); and

 

   

the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

 

   

Uruguay maintains close ties to its neighboring countries and participates in several regional arrangements designed to promote cooperation in trade and investment. It has been the host country of the Latin American Free Trade Association (ALALC), created in 1960, and later of its successor, the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), a regional external trade association created in 1980, that includes ten South American countries in addition to Mexico, Cuba and Panamá.

 

   

In March 1991, the governments of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay signed the Asunción Treaty. Under the Asunción Treaty, these four countries originally pledged:

(1)    to create a full common market in goods, services and factors of production –commonly known as “Mercosur”– by eliminating or significantly reducing, in some cases over a period of years, import duties, tariffs and other barriers to trade among members; and

(2)    to establish common external tariffs for trade with non-members.

The implementation of a common external tariff, intended to transform the region into a customs union, began on January 1, 1995. The convergence regime to the common external tariff regime ended

 

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on January 1, 2001. However, it was also agreed that each member country would be entitled to make different exceptions to the common external tariff for a transitional period. This transition period has been extended, on successive occasions, the last extension being in December 2021, when some of such transitional periods were extended until 2028 and others until 2030. Accordingly, the full implementation of a customs union has been deferred. See “The Economy—The Mercosur Agreements.”

In July 2012, Mercosur members (other than Paraguay) admitted the Republic of Venezuela as a full member of Mercosur. In December 2013, Paraguay acknowledged the admission of Venezuela as a full member of Mercosur. In July 2015, Bolivia signed a Protocol to become a full member of Mercosur. The Protocol provides that Bolivia will gradually adopt the regulations of Mercosur over a period of four years following the entry into force of the Protocol. Within the same period, Bolivia is expected to adopt the Mercosur Common Nomenclature (NCM), the Common External Tariff, and Mercosur’s Origin Regime. In December 2016, Venezuela’s status as a full member was temporarily suspended by the other Mercosur members, after it was considered to have failed to implement Mercosur regulations, in accordance with the undertakings assumed in 2012 in connection with its admission to Mercosur.

Since the establishment of Mercosur, the following trade agreements have become effective for Mercosur members:

 

Year Signed

  

Year Effective

  

Country/Economic Region

  

Description of Agreement

1996    1996    Chile    Free trade zone
1996    1997    Bolivia    Free trade zone
2004    2005    Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela    Free trade zone
2005    2006    Peru    Free trade zone
2006    2008    Cuba    Preferential tariff Agreement
2007    2009    Israel    Free trade zone
2004    2009    India    Preferential tariff Agreement
2008    2016    Southern African Customs Union (“SACU”)    Preferential tariff Agreement
2010    2017    Egypt    Free trade zone

In December 1995, Mercosur and the European Union signed a framework agreement for the development of free trade. Negotiations were suspended from 2004 to 2010. In May 2016, Mercosur and the EU exchanged proposals with respect to open issues and continued negotiations. On June 28, 2019, Mercosur and the European Union concluded longstanding negotiations reaching a landmark understanding. It is expected that the agreement will, over time, eliminate duties on 92% of Mercosur goods exported to the European Union (including exports of meat, grains and leather) and 91% of goods that the European Union companies export to Mercosur (including certain exports of cars, car parts, machinery, chemicals, clothing, pharmaceuticals, leather shoes, textiles, and certain food and drinks). As of the date of this annual report, the trading blocs are negotiating the agreement.

Mercosur also initiated negotiations for the establishment of a free trade zone with the European Free Trade Association (“EFTA”). In January 2017, representatives of Mercosur and EFTA announced the commencement of negotiations in the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos. In February 2017, Mercosur and EFTA approved the agenda and structure of the negotiations and have held ten negotiation rounds since then. On August 23, 2019, negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement concluded.

In 2018, Mercosur began negotiations for comprehensive free trade agreements with Canada (March), Korea (September) and Singapore (October). In 2019, Mercosur began negotiations for a free trade agreement with Lebanon.

Mercosur and the United States, which had suspended negotiations in 2004, sought to resume negotiations relating to the hemisphere-wide Free-Trade of the Americas Agreement (FTAA) pursuant to the 1991 “Four Plus One” Agreement. The negotiations revealed important differences between the parties, and there can be no assurance that an agreement will be reached as originally contemplated.

 

D-19


In furtherance of recent negotiations with third parties, the Mercosur members entered into agreements among themselves concerning the following areas: government procurement (2017), investments (2017), trade facilitation (2019), geographical indications (2019) and electronic commerce (2021).

Significant trade imbalances among Mercosur countries developed over time as a result of various factors. These imbalances have prompted discussions and negotiations among the member states that to date have not resulted in the convergence of the national economies, a stated objective pursued. Recurrent economic and financial volatility in Argentina, and its long-lasting effects, have adversely affected trade within Mercosur and with non-Mercosur countries and the timely implementation by Mercosur of the objectives set forth in the Asunción Treaty of 1991, in particular the customs union. It also triggered the adoption of various safeguard measures and caused indefinite delays in Mercosur’s ability to achieve the macroeconomic coordination and stability sought by its member states.

Uruguay continues to support the long-term objectives contemplated in the Asunción Treaty, while pursuing measures intended to maximize access to export markets by Uruguayan products in the short and medium-term with a broader global reach.

In the meeting of Mercosur member state ministers of foreign affairs and economy, held on July 7, 2021, Uruguay’s representatives stated the convenience of modernizing certain aspects of the trading block, through an agenda of negotiations with non-member countries that was substantive, agile, dynamic, flexible and long lasting.

Uruguay has entered into bilateral treaties related to trade and investment, including the following:

 

Year Signed

  

Year Effective

  

Country/Economic Region

  

Descriptions of Agreement

2003    2004    United Mexican States    Free Trade Agreement
2004    2007    Iran    Bilateral Trade Framework Agreement
2005    2006    United States of America    Bilateral Investment Promotion Treaty
2007    2007    United States of America    Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
2008    2011    United States of America    Cooperation Agreement in Science and Technology
2008    —      India    Bilateral Investment Treaty
2008    2009    Venezuela    Economic Cooperation Agreement
2009    2011    South Korea    Bilateral Investment Treaty
2009    2012    Chile    Public Procurement Agreement
2009    2012    Vietnam    Bilateral Investment Treaty
2009    2012    Czech Republic    Bilateral Investment Treaty
2010    2012    Chile    Bilateral Investment Treaty
2015    2017    Japan    Bilateral Investment Treaty
2016    2018    Chile    Free Trade Agreement
2018    2021    United Arab Emirates    Bilateral Investment Treaty
2019    2022    Australia    Bilateral Investment Treaty

In March 2009, Uruguay and Brazil signed an energy cooperation agreement for the development of an electrical transmission line, to facilitate interconnectivity of both countries’ energy networks. A line with a transmission capacity of 500MW was completed in 2016 and on May 2, 2017, Uruguay began exporting electricity to Brazil. See “Gross Domestic Product and Structure of the Economy—Principal Sectors of the Economy—Electricity, Gas and Water.”

 

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Since 2017, Uruguay has entered into bilateral agreements with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (the “BRI”), a global development strategy adopted by the Chinese involving infrastructure development and investments in nearly 70 countries and international organizations in Asia, Europe, and Africa. During 2019, representatives from Uruguay and the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission held meetings to discuss projects under the BRI. In September 2021, work began on a joint feasibility study on a China-Uruguay Free Trade Agreement (“FTA”), which ended on July 13, 2022, with favorable results, in the opinion of the government, in order to progress with the negotiation of said FTA.

 

D-21


ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL & GOVERNANCE MATTERS

Uruguay pursues sustainable development, by aiming to achieve economic growth while mitigating greenhouse emissions and making the economy climate-resilient. Uruguay has historically been focused on the transition to clean energy and natural capital conservation. The country has strong Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) credentials among emerging market countries, mainly due to Uruguay’s environmental initiatives, the reduction of carbon intensity of both energy generation and livestock management, strong indicators regarding poverty eradication, gender equality, social protection, and institutional stability as well as protection of biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

Environmental Matters

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Since the 1990s, Uruguay has implemented national policies to reduce the intensity of Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) emissions in its economy by decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions. Uruguay is currently one of the leading countries in terms of sustainable electricity production according to the World Economic Forum. In other key economic sectors, like beef production, public policies coupled with strong public and private investments and technological changes have reduced the intensity of GHG emissions as a percentage of GDP.

To contribute to the implementation of a sustainable development model that is resilient and low-carbon, Uruguay deployed a very ambitious set of early actions and transformed its energy matrix by increasing and diversifying its renewable sources of electricity generation. Between 2017 and 2021, on average, 94% of total electricity generation was derived from renewable sources (approximately 18% biomass, 42% hydroelectric, 32% wind energy and 3% solar energy) and the remaining 5% from fossil sources.

The government also contributed to the reduction of the nation’s GHG emissions by granting tax benefits to low-carbon productive investments, such as in forestry and in renewable energy projects under an investment promotion regime. Likewise, in the beef cattle, dairy and rice production sectors, updated public policies accompanied by strong investments and technological changes have allowed an increase in productivity and a reduction in the intensity of GHG emissions per product unit, in furtherance of Uruguay’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Forestry and Land Use

The protection of natural ecosystems (in particular the prevention of deforestation) has been a key part of the Republic’s environmental strategy. Uruguay is a country with almost no net deforestation of its native forest. Living biomass carbon stocks in Uruguay’s forests have also been maintained over the years, preventing CO2 emissions from deforestation processes. In addition, preserving native forests has contributed to the protection of water resources, and to reverse environmental degradation. These achievements are mainly a result of regulations that ban native forest logging, as well as tax exemption incentives provided to registered areas with native forests. Uruguay has a long history in legislation and regulation that provides forests the necessary norms to achieve the conservation.

Environmental Policies

Uruguay’s favorable management of GHG emissions and natural resources was possible due to the convergence of national public policies related to climate change, sectorial and departmental public policies, as well as awareness actions promoted by the private sector, academia and civil society.

Uruguay has demonstrated its commitment to the environment by ratifying the following agreements:

 

   

The Kyoto Protocol adopted during the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (“UNFCCC”) III Conference on Climate Change (the “Kyoto Protocol”), approved through Law No. 17,279 dated November 23, 2000, and which became effective in February 2005, and its 2012 amendment, approved through Law No. 19,640 dated July 13, 2018 (the “Doha Amendment”). The Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce emissions of six gases generated by human activity that cause global warming (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride), and the Doha Amendment provides for a commitment period to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through December 2020.

 

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The Paris Agreement adopted during the UNFCCC’s XXI Conference on Climate Change (the “Paris Agreement”), approved through Law No. 19,439 dated October 17, 2016, and which became effective in November 2016. The Paris Agreement establishes an international mechanism to deal with climate change and limiting global temperature increases.

 

   

In 2017, the Executive Power enacted Decree No. 310/017, approving the National Climate Change Policy (Política Nacional de Cambio Climático), which sets forth a long-term strategic framework to guide the reforms that Uruguay intended to adopt to mitigate climate change and meet the obligations it assumed under the Paris Agreement. Pursuant to the National Climate Change Policy, Uruguay also published the First Nationally Determined Contribution (Primera Contribución Determinada a Nivel Nacional) under which Uruguay set forth its commitments to mitigate climate change, which included, among the non-conditional undertakings, (i) reducing CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions intensity per unit of real GDP by 24%, 57% and 48%, respectively, by 2025 compared to 1990, (ii) maintaining 100% of (a) native forest area in 2012 (849,960 hectares), (b) the effective area under forest plantation management in 2015 (763,070 hectares) and (c) the area of forest plantations for shade and shelter in 2012 (77,790 hectares).

In addition, Uruguay is firmly committed to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Agenda. In support of the implementation of such agenda, the Uruguayan government has prioritized four strategic principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the 2021-2025 period:

 

   

an economy that innovates, generates employment, and supports sustainable development;

 

   

an efficient government, present in the territory and accountable to the citizens;

 

   

public policies that support education, social protection, and quality healthcare for everyone; and

 

   

a society that promotes people’s development and rights and leaves no one behind.

As part of its commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Agenda, Uruguay has already submitted four voluntary national reviews to the United Nations High Level Political Forum: in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021. These comprehensive reports show Uruguay’s progress on the 17 sustainable development goals covered by the agenda and provide detailed information on regulatory frameworks and specific actions contributing to progress towards each goal. The government’s recent submission of the 2021 voluntary national review showcases significant progress towards eliminating extreme poverty, reducing the gender gap, increasing energy access and strengthening the social welfare system, among others.

Further, Uruguay has implemented significant institutional reforms and programs to prevent climate change, including:

 

   

In 1987, Uruguay enacted the Forest Act of 1987 (Law No.15,939) which prohibits logging native forests, except for very limited circumstances specified in the law, and which keeps the National Forest Register.

 

   

In 2007, Congress enacted Law No. 18,195, establishing a renewable fuels standard which required the blending of biofuels (ethanol and biodiesel) with automotive gasoline and diesel fuel. The legislation mandated that biofuels account for a minimum of 5% of total gasoline and diesel fuel consumption. Increased biofuel consumption displaces fossil-based fuels, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In 2021, Law No. 19,996 dated November 3, 2021, amended Law No. 18,195 and set forth that the share of mandatory bioethanol mix was increased to 8.5%, while the mandatory incorporation of biodiesel was repealed.

 

   

Through Decree No. 238/009 dated May 20, 2009, Uruguay established the National Response System to Climate Change and Variability (the “SNRCC”), an institutional framework for climate

 

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change that seeks to protect people, essential property and the environment in the face of disaster, by coordinating government efforts and promoting the efficient use of available public and private resources, fostering favorable conditions for sustainable development. Through the SNRCC, each ministry and relevant government agency has defined and committed to specific measures within its jurisdiction.

 

   

In 2010, Uruguay, through the SNRCC, introduced the National Climate Change Response Plan, setting forth an assessment of the vulnerability of agricultural production and land ecosystems in the energy, healthcare and the industry and service sectors.

 

   

In March 2016, the Ministry of Housing, Zoning and the Environment launched its Program to Reduce Emission Caused by Deforestation and Forest Degradation (Programa para la Reducción de Emisiones Causadas por la Deforestación y la Degradación Forestal). This program aims to mitigate climate change through incentives designed to prevent deforestation and protect the quality and integrity of forests. The program identifies native forest deterioration causes and creates action plans to mitigate them, prioritizing those areas with water basins, as well as livestock and agriculture production areas. Further, in 2017, a system for monitoring, reporting, verification of and the design of measures to prevent greenhouse gases was created under this program.

 

   

In June 2016, Congress enacted legislation and the Executive Power enacted Decree No. 172/016 dated June 6, 2016, pursuant to which the National Environmental System (Sistema Nacional Ambiental) was created, which aims at shaping, coordinating and strengthening environmental, water and climate change policies, fostering sustainable environmental development that preserves ecosystems and promoting the protection of water sources and its rational use.

 

   

In July 2016, Uruguay published the National Biodiversity Strategy 2016-2020 (the “Biodiversity Strategy”) to fulfill the Republic’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The Biodiversity Strategy sets out the national policy for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, which includes adaptation measures and conservation plans for protected areas.

 

   

In November 2017, Uruguay approved the National Climate Change Policy (the “NCCP”), a long-term strategic framework towards 2050 designed by the government with the participation of over 300 representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society stakeholders and scientific and technical experts. The NCCP was conceived to guide the transformations that Uruguay has been undertaking to face climate change and climate variability associated challenges. The NCCP also addresses the obligations assumed by Uruguay under the Paris Agreement. Its primary purpose is to contribute to the sustainable development of the country through a global perspective. In particular, the NCCP (i) seeks to secure a more resilient society that is less vulnerable with a higher capacity to adapt to climate change and climate variability, and (ii) promotes a low-carbon economy based on environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable production processes and services that incorporate knowledge and innovation.

 

   

In November 2017, Uruguay submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (“NDC”) to the UNFCCC pursuant to the Paris Agreement. The NDC is an instrument for the implementation of the NCCP and was prepared within the SNRCC. Uruguay’s first NDC establishes (i) unconditional and conditional objectives for climate change mitigation by 2025, (ii) the context and main measures to achieve mitigation goals and adaptation to the effects of climate change, (iii) the context and key measures that encourage climate change awareness, and (iv) information to provide transparency, improve the understanding of the climate change mitigation objectives and facilitate monitoring their progress.

 

   

In March 2018, Uruguay elaborated a National Strategy for Native Forests for the period 2018-2030 for the conservation and promotion of native forest areas.

 

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In August 2018, Congress passed Law No. 19,655 dated August 17, 2018, to prevent and reduce the environmental impact derived from the use of plastic bags, with measures designed to discourage their use and promote their re-use or recycling and prohibiting the manufacture, import, distribution, sale and delivery of plastic bags that are not compostable or biodegradable.

 

   

In October 2018, Congress passed Law No. 19,670 dated October 15, 2018, to implement a subsidies program to support the transition towards the use of more efficient and sustainable technologies in public bus services nationwide, to replace up to 4% of the current diesel engine bus fleets with electric-engine buses during a seven-year period. This law is earmarked within the National Plan of Energy Efficiency, and complements a set of other fiscal incentives to foster the use of electric services in private cars as well as taxis.

 

   

Climate change is a material issue for Uruguay due to the country’s high vulnerability to physical climate risks. Uruguay has promoted a series of national plans to adapt to and to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as the National Adaptation Plan to Variations and Climate Change in the Farming Sector (Plan Nacional de Adaptación a la Variabilidad y el Cambio Climático para el Sector Agropecuario), the National Adaptation Plan or the Coastal Zone (Plan Nacional de Adaptación para la Zona Costera) and the National Adaptation Plan for Cities and Infrastructure (Plan Nacional de Adaptación en Ciudades e Infraestructuras).

 

   

In August 2019, Uruguay approved the National Environmental Plan for Sustainable Development, a plan that sets forth both intermediate and long-term targets to promote environmental public policies, in line with the country’s sustainable development.

 

   

In July 2020, the government created the Ministry of Environment (formerly, the Ministry of Housing, Zoning and the Environment), tasked with formulating, executing, supervising and evaluating national policies for the protection of the environment.

 

   

In October 2020, the Ministry of Economy and Finance joined the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action Ministerial Forum. Subsequently, the principles adopted by the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki in 1964, as amended (“Helsinki Principles”) were explicitly incorporated in the 2020-2024 budget law.

 

   

In November 2020, Banco Central joined the Network for Greening the Financial System (“NGFS”), which groups around 40 central banks, supervisory agencies and international financial institutions. The main purpose of the NGFS is strengthening the global response required to meet the Paris Agreement’s objectives. It also seeks to enhance the role of the financial system to manage risks and mobilize capital for green and low-carbon investments to achieve environmentally-sustainable development.

 

   

In May 2021, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fishing announced their intention to prepare a joint report on the environmental footprint of livestock production in Uruguay, which will serve as a national road-map to place Uruguay as an environmentally-responsible producer of meat. During the same month, the Executive Power approved a regulation for the prevention of air pollution, including the establishment of air quality objectives to reduce risks to human health and ecosystems, as well as setting maximum emission limits.

 

   

In September 2021, Banco Central determined that a portion of the reserve assets under its management would be allocated to investments in sustainable projects. Such assets have been invested in an investment fund managed by the Bank for International Settlement (BIS) that focuses on bonds designed to finance or refinance environmental projects, such as renewable energy production and energy efficiency, among others. Investing in this fund provides diversification benefits for the Banco Central’s portfolio, as it has a lower correlation with other eligible assets, with intermediate interest rate risk and with relatively low overall credit risk.

 

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In November 2021, Uruguay took over as Chair of the Development Committee of the IMF and the World Bank group (the “Development Committee”) for the first time, a position that it is scheduled to hold until November 2022. The Development Committee is a ministerial-level forum for intergovernmental consensus-building on development issues. The Development Committee’s mandate is to advise the Board of Governors of the World Bank and the IMF on critical development issues and on the financial resources required to promote economic development in developing countries. Uruguay’s agenda focuses on using the power of positive financial incentives and financial innovation to reward sustainable policymaking in emerging markets, incentivizing the transition to a low-carbon global economy. To develop this idea, Uruguay proposed linking the cost of borrowing from multilateral institutions to countries’ success in meeting climate targets under the Paris Agreement. Under this proposal, countries that live up to their commitments and show good environmental performance metrics, would pay lower interest rates.

 

   

In December 2021, the government published its Long-Term Strategy on Climate Change (the “LTSCC”), laying out its commitment to reach CO2 neutrality by 2050. The LTSCC is a guide for the preparation of the second NDC and was created by the Coordination Group of the National System for Response to Climate Change and follows the National Climate Change Policy and the first NDC.

 

   

In November 2021, Uruguay also joined the three initiatives at COP26: (1) The Global Methane Pledge, a collective effort by more than 100 countries to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30 percent from 2020 levels by 2030, (2) the declaration on accelerating the transition to 100% zero emissions cars and vans, and (3) the Glasgow Leaders declaration on Forest and land-use.

 

   

Congress has also passed legislation to implement a tax on carbon dioxide emissions from the use of gasoline, effective in January 2022. As of Law No. 19,996, fuels with CO2 emissions were taxed with an Internal Specific Tax (IMESI), adopting the approach of taxing the sale of fuel. Starting on January 1, 2022, CO2 emitted in the combustion of gasoline will be taxed through a partial substitution of the IMESI for another tax based on emissions per liter of gasoline. The Executive Power will annually establish the amount of the tax per liter of gasoline according to the information (on CO2 emissions) provided each year by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining to the Ministry of Economy and Finance and based on the updated CPI.

Social Matters

Uruguay stands out in Latin America for being an inclusive and egalitarian society and for its high income per capita, low level of inequality and poverty, and the almost complete absence of extreme poverty. According to World Bank data, more than 60% of Uruguayans are middle class, the largest proportion of middle-class citizens of any country in the Americas. In addition, Uruguay’s inclusive social policies include its national pension system, which covers 90% of the population aged over 65.

Poverty and Income Distribution

According to the most recent estimates of the National Statistics Institute, the percentage of Uruguayan households with an income below the minimum amount needed to purchase essential food and non-food requirements was 7.5% in 2021. While Uruguay has disparities in the distribution of wealth and income, such disparities are of a lesser magnitude than for most other Latin American nations. According to the 2020 Social Outlook report published by the ECLAC, in 2019, 46% of household income in Uruguay was concentrated in the hands of the top 20% of the population in comparison to 58% for Brazil, 57% for Colombia and 52% for Chile, according to ECLAC’s methodology of calculation.

 

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The following table sets forth the data on the accumulated income distribution for the periods indicated.

Evolution of Accumulated Income Distribution of Uruguay

(% of national income)

 

Income Group

   2017     2018     2019     2020     2021  

Lowest 40%

     18.8     18.9     18.8     17.9     18.4

Next 30%

     26.3       26.3       26.3       25.8       26.0  

Next 20%

     27.6       27.7       27.8       28.0       27.6  

Highest 10%

     27.3       27.2       27.1       28.3       28.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

In recent years, the government has sought to address problems relating to poverty through healthcare accessibility and other social policy measures. See “The Economy—The Economic Policies of the Lacalle Pou Administration.” In particular, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government introduced measures to protect household purchasing power and human capital. These measures included full wage compensation in the form of sick leave for workers older than 65 years, a price freeze on selected food, hygiene and health products with retailers, wholesalers and producers, among others.

Notwithstanding the above, Uruguay features longstanding policies regarding social protection, leading to the second lowest poverty rate and the highest share of middle-class people in Latin America. Further, Uruguay provides the highest level of social protection coverage to population in Latin America (measured as the share of population covered by at least one social protection benefit).

Unemployment Insurance

Unemployment insurance is a long-standing program in Uruguay, with its origins going back to 1919. In 1958, Uruguay established an unemployment insurance program, which set the bases of the program currently in force. Traditionally, the Uruguayan unemployment insurance program has been divided into three modalities addressing three different situations: (i) dismissal, (ii) suspension for a limited period of time, and (iii) reduction of the workload, the latter two, driven by a drop in the employer’s production. Unemployment insurance for dismissal has, as a general rule, a duration of six months and four months in the case of suspension.

Since 2020, Uruguay has deployed a number of measures relating to expanding unemployment insurance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which were key to address its effects. These measures include:

 

   

a new subsidy (unemployment benefit) for workers in the tourism, retail, food, arts and entertainment sectors;

 

   

expanded flexibility in unemployment insurance to safeguard employee-employer relationships in sectors affected by the slowdown of their activities, allowing firms to place employees in part-time schedules and use the unemployment insurance fund to ensure that employees receive wages as close as possible to their regular wages; and

 

   

an additional unemployment benefit granting employees and daily-laborers an amount of up to (i) in the case of employees, 50% of their monthly salary, and (ii) in the case of day laborers, an amount equal to the average compensation for 12 working days. To receive this subsidy, employees had to demonstrate that they had been employed for at least one month in the period between November 2020 and March 2021, while day laborers had to prove that they had received a minimum of 25 wages in the 12 months preceding March 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, the number of unemployment insurance beneficiaries, including partial insurance, stood at 46,212, compared to 77,363 as of December 31, 2020.

Healthcare System

 

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The Constitution of the Republic establishes that the government is responsible for all matters related to the population’s health to encourage the physical, social and moral development of the population. In particular, the Constitution requires the government to provide free healthcare to those individuals that lack the means to pay for healthcare.

Healthcare in Uruguay consists of three main systems: private hospitals run by private enterprises, public hospitals run by the government and private health insurance programs (Seguros Integrales de Salud). Uruguay’s public healthcare system, which is most often referred to as the Administración de los Servicios de Salud del Estado, or ASSE, provides free health services for low-income patients. Many public hospitals operate through universities that employ expert clinicians, allowing those hospitals to provide specialized treatments. The average number of public health insurance beneficiaries between October 2020 and September 2021 in ASSE stood at 1.4 million.

With regards to private enterprises, many Uruguayans select a Collective Medical Assistance Institution (Institución de Asistencia Médica Colectiva or “IAMC”), which functions like a membership through which a person has access to the services of a private hospital. The IAMC system differs from many healthcare systems in other countries as it does not operate as health insurance, but rather, as a membership plan to a hospital that has neither deductibles nor a lifetime cap.

In addition, there are healthcare providers for specific groups, such as the armed forces, operating under the Ministry of Defense, and the police, operating under the Ministry of the Internal Affairs.

Together, the combination of public and private healthcare systems provides a large variety of healthcare options and a broad safety net for Uruguayan citizens, allowing them to choose the system that best suits their medical needs and economic means.

Uruguay’s healthcare system is well-staffed, offering variety and easy access to medications. Further, the Uruguayan healthcare system offers mobile medical services to provide care to those who may have difficulty leaving their homes.

Education

Education in Uruguay is based on principles embodied in the Constitution of the Republic and other laws, including freedom of thought, secularism, compulsory nature (for certain levels) and autonomy with respect to the Executive Power. The population has access to free education from initial education levels until graduation from college.

The formal education system is organized into the following levels:

 

   

Initial Education: aimed at children between three and five years old. Attending initial education is not mandatory.

 

   

Primary Education: is a compulsory six-year program of 20 weekly hours aimed at children between six and twelve years old. It provides students with fundamental skills in writing, reading and mathematics, as well as music, arts and physical education. In certain rural areas, Uruguay adapts the program to take into account the specific needs of such areas. Classes are also available for adults (over 15 years of age) who have not been literate or who have not finished their primary education on time. Students with disabilities receive special education. The completion rate of primary education was 98.1% in 2019.

 

   

Secondary Education: aimed at children between twelve and eighteen years old. The secondary education stage is divided into two three-year cycles:

 

   

The Ciclo Básico Único (“CBU”, for its acronym in Spanish) or basic secondary education is a compulsory three-year program taught in high schools or institutes of the secondary education council and in technical schools of the professional technical education council. During the CBU, students attend classes between 32 to 36 hours per week, depending on the grade. The CBU is primarily aimed at sharpening the student’s

 

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reasoning and developing analytical capabilities required for university studies or for developing a technical profession. The CBU also adapts to the needs of rural areas. The completion rate of the CBU was 76.7% in 2019.

 

   

The Segundo Ciclo or superior secondary education is a non-mandatory three-year program in which students can elect to a program geared to prepare the student for university or a program aimed at providing technical and vocational education, which includes workshop activities.

 

   

Higher Education: students can choose between attending teacher training institutes or university education.

 

   

Teaching careers take place at teacher training institutes, with programs lasting between three and four years, with a theoretical and practical curricular aspect.

 

   

With regards to university education, Uruguay has two public universities, the University of the Republic and the Technologic University of Uruguay. Education at either of such universities is free and open to national and foreign students that have completed secondary education. Duration of degrees range between four and seven years.

Gender Equality

In 2005, the government created the National Institute for Women (INMUJERES, for its acronym in Spanish), under the Ministry of Social Development, which is the governing body for gender policies, responsible for the promotion, design, coordination, articulation and execution of public policies from a gender perspective, as well as their monitoring and evaluation. On December 19, 2019, Congress enacted Law No. 19,846 providing for specialized gender units in all public agencies. In addition, on July 9, 2020, Congress enacted Law No. 19,889 creating the National Directorate of Gender Policies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Uruguay has established a National Strategy for Gender Equality to 2030, following substantive contributions from social organizations of women and feminists. The National Strategy for Gender Equality to 2030 provides a comprehensive and integrating roadmap, guiding the government’s actions in the area of gender equality in the medium term. It outlines a horizon of gender equality by 2030, and contemplates a set of aspirations, political-institutional guidelines and strategic guidelines capable of influencing public policy decisions, under the paradigm that gender policy is a State policy. The National Strategy for Gender Equality complements the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Agenda, both efforts of the Office of Planning and Budget (OPP), which were taken into account in the definition of the National Strategy for Development 2050.

In 2021, the government created two gender-based violence specialized courts and increased the number of electronic anklets to monitor victims and aggressors in cases of domestic violence. On February 2, 2021, the INMUJERES and the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning signed a cooperation agreement to provide housing options to women in the process of leaving situations of gender-based violence.

In January 2022, the Republic signed a gender-based loan with the IDB for US$4.1 million to finance the Program for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (Programa para la Igualdad de Género y el Empoderamiento de las Mujeres). In addition, the Republic also signed a non-reimbursable financing agreement for US$1 million with the IDB, to be executed by the Ministry of Social Development through the INMUJERES. The program is aimed at (i) increasing the response capacity of the Gender-Based Violence Response System for adult women, particularly for immigrants and victims of human trafficking, (ii) promote gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence in young women, strengthening the work of the INMUJERES in education, and (iii) improve the use of information on gender-based violence.

Governance Matters

Uruguay remains a bastion of political and institutional stability in Latin America and within the emerging markets generally. It has strong democratic institutions and respect for the rule of law, legal security, judicial independence, ample freedom, low corruption and an unwavering commitment to international agreements and norms.

 

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Anti-corruption

At an international level, Uruguay has ratified the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 1998 and 2006, respectively.

At the national level, Uruguay has promulgated laws and regulations to combat corruption and increase citizen participation and government transparency. The Anti-Bribery Law No. 17,060 dated December 23, 1998, is the main regulation for public officials’ activities including government procurement and public funds management. According to this law, officials must act in good faith in the exercise of power and put collective needs satisfaction over personal interests. Furthermore, all procurement activities must be appropriately published to ensure transparency.

Prevention of Money Laundering

Uruguay is also a member of the Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (“GAFILAT”), an intergovernmental organization with a regional base comprised of 18 countries of South America, Central America and North America. GAFILAT was created to prevent and combat money laundering, the financing of terrorism and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, through a commitment to the continuous improvement of national policies and the deepening of the various cooperation mechanisms among member countries.

Uruguay currently holds the GAFILAT’s Vice-Presidency through the end of 2022, and will assume its Presidency in 2023.

Countering the Financing of Terrorism Law

On May 15, 2019, Congress enacted Law No. 19,749, aimed at discouraging the financing of terrorism and providing for the application of economic sanctions against persons and entities engaged in terrorism activities, its financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in accordance with resolutions by the United Nations Security Council.

 

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THE ECONOMY

History and Background

In the 1980s, Uruguay’s economy was affected by a crisis of its financial system, followed by a severe recession. A deterioration in its external debt to GDP and exports ratios led the Republic to negotiate a rescheduling of its maturing debt obligations within the framework of the Brady Plan in 1991. In the early 1990s, the government took steps to increase private sector involvement in the economy (including foreign investment in previously restricted areas), and reduced the size and influence of the public sector in the economy. Following a modest 0.9% increase in real GDP in 1990, a new recovery began in mid-1991, and real GDP increased steadily between 1991 and 1994 at an average cumulative annual rate of 5.2%.

The economic liberalization policies of the 1990s, while stimulating improvements in productivity and economic growth, also increased the exposure of Uruguay’s economy to regional and international economic developments. The absence of capital controls facilitated a gradual dollarization of the assets and liabilities of the banking system. A loss of investor confidence in certain countries in the region, capital flight and a resulting contraction of economic activity followed the Mexican peso devaluation in December 1994. Argentina, one of Uruguay’s principal trading partners and sources of direct foreign investment, was particularly affected. The contraction in aggregate demand in neighboring countries, particularly Argentina, was coupled with a decrease in Uruguay’s private demand and public sector investment. In 1995, real GDP contracted by 1.4% as compared to 1994. Uruguay’s economy recovered with real GDP growth of 5.0% on average from 1996 to 1998 fueled mainly by increased exports and growth in gross fixed investment, particularly private sector investment, which in turn stimulated private consumption. During this period, the financial and insurance services sector grew in real terms and as a percentage of GDP.

The Mercosur Agreements

The execution and implementation of Mercosur represented Uruguay’s single most important foreign trade endeavor, as it was expected to offer Uruguayan companies access to a common market of approximately 200 million people. On January 1, 2000, internal tariff rates among Mercosur countries were reduced to zero, with the exception of sugar and automobiles.

With the establishment of the common external tariff in January 1995, the members of Mercosur agreed to cause a gradual convergence of their respective external trade regulations over a five-year period. A common external tariff became effective on January 1, 2001. However, each member of the Mercosur retained some degree of flexibility intended to gradually allow certain industries to enhance their competitiveness, and had the ability to take specific exceptions to the common external tariff (initially 300 each) over a transitional period. Argentina and Brazil are currently entitled to 100 exceptions each and Uruguay and Paraguay are currently entitled to 225 and 649 exceptions, respectively. With respect to imports of capital goods, telecommunications and information technology products of non-Mercosur origin, the members of Mercosur agreed that all of them could take exception from the common external tariff, Argentina and Brazil until 2028 and Uruguay and Paraguay until 2029 and 2030, respectively, and Venezuela until 2022 (although Venezuela’s membership has been suspended since December 2016).

The devaluation of the Argentine peso in January 2002, and other measures taken by the Argentine government during this period (including unilateral increases in import tariffs on consumer goods and the elimination of import tariffs on capital goods, for non-Mercosur products) adversely affected trade within Mercosur and with non-Mercosur countries and the timely implementation by Mercosur of the objectives set forth in the Mercosur Treaty of 1991, in particular the customs union. It also caused indefinite delays in Mercosur’s ability to achieve the macroeconomic coordination and stability sought by the December 2000 understanding on common macroeconomic targets. Uruguay continues to support the long-term objectives contemplated in the Mercosur Treaty and the December 2000 understanding, recognizing the short and medium-term need to maximize access to other export markets by Uruguayan products.

Certain barriers to the comprehensive regional integration initiated by Mercosur continue to exist. Phytosanitary border inspections and other bureaucratic border procedures still lack uniformity among Mercosur member countries and are onerous in many instances, causing delays in trade. Rules on intellectual property,

 

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antitrust and the environment, among other things, are different in each of the Mercosur countries, and while certain mechanisms for dispute resolution and cooperation have been established, comprehensive mechanisms are still under development. In December 2002, Mercosur approved common antitrust procedures implementing a 1996 Antitrust protocol. This agreement constituted a step towards the elimination of antidumping claims among members. Trade in services, such as financial and banking services, has not been uniformly liberalized, with countries like Uruguay having a financial system which is open to non-Uruguayan participants while countries like Brazil allow only limited participation of non-Brazilian banks in their financial system. Roads, bridges and railways must also be developed to further facilitate trade. In December 1997, the Mercosur members agreed to a framework agreement for the liberalization of the provision of services, access to markets and freedom of establishment. The members of the Mercosur meet annually to negotiate the implementation of the 1997 framework agreement. A protocol regarding the provision of services entered into effect in December 2005 and was ratified by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The liberalization is expected to be effected gradually on the basis of negotiation rounds intended to result in eliminating restrictions by segments with a view to reaching complete liberalization. In December 2017, Mercosur members signed a Cooperation and Facilitation Investment Protocol (CFIP) and a Government Procurement Protocol (GPP). The CFIP became effective in 2019 for Uruguay and Brazil, and in 2020 for Argentina. As of the date of this annual report, Paraguay had not yet ratified the CFIP and the GPP was still not in force.

As Mercosur has not yet fully developed into a customs union (due to the set of exceptions to the common external tariff), the free circulation of goods among the Mercosur countries reaches only the goods bearing Mercosur origin. To advance the free movement of goods and avoid charging tariffs on goods bearing non-Mercosur origin after their first access to a Mercosur member state, in 2004 and 2005 standards were approved that recognized Mercosur origin to those goods imported from third countries that met Mercosur’s common tariff requirements (Dec. No. 54/04 and Dec. No. 37/05 of the Common Market Council). However, the lack of agreement among the Mercosur member states with respect to the allocation of customs revenue has resulted in limiting free movement only to those products subject to a 0% tariff upon import into any of the Mercosur member countries in which the tariff applied by all countries is 0%, either because this is the level of the Common External Tariff (CET) or because it has a 100% preference in agreements signed by Mercosur. Likewise, to facilitate the logistics and circulation of goods originating from Mercosur itself or third countries, various regulations have been approved: relating to the use of customs warehouses (Dec. No. 17/03, Dec. No. 62/07 and Dec. No. 55/08 of the Common Market Council) and to the use of free trade zones (Dec. No. 33/15 of the Common Market Council).

1999-2002: Recession and Crisis in the Banking System

Between 1999 and 2002, a series of external factors, including most significantly the economic crisis that affected Argentina severely in 2001 and 2002, had material adverse consequences for Uruguay’s economy, affecting local demand, exports and the overall balance of the public sector.

In 2002, Uruguay’s economy experienced its most significant setback since 1982, with real GDP contracting by 11.0%. The proximate causes of Uruguay’s 2002 economic crisis were associated with Argentina’s economic crisis during that time. Uruguay’s fiscal imbalances, its dependence on Argentina and Brazil as its principal trading partners and sources of foreign revenues, and rigidities that limited the ability of the economy to absorb and adapt to external factors, added to the severity of the crisis.

Uruguay’s banking system confronted its worst crisis since 1982-83. At December 31, 2002, total U.S. dollar deposits of the non-financial private sector with the banking system (excluding off-shore institutions) were US$7.3 billion (of which US$2.4 billion were of non-residents), compared to US$14.2 billion as of December 31, 2001 (of which US$6.6 billion were of non-residents). In the second quarter of 2002, a deposit outflow affected Uruguay’s financial system leading first to the suspension of Banco Galicia de Uruguay, or BGU, and Banco Comercial, Uruguay’s two largest private banks (both affiliated with Argentine banks) and soon thereafter to the closure of Banco Montevideo/La Caja Obrera, Uruguay’s third largest private bank in June 2002. Although the government received approximately US$500.0 million from the IMF on June 29, 2002, and provided liquidity assistance to the local banks, confidence in the Uruguayan financial system continued to erode.

The Uruguayan authorities sought the financial assistance of the IMF, the World Bank and the IDB to safeguard Uruguay’s payment and financial system. On August 4, 2002, Congress passed Law No. 17,523, known as the Law for the Strengthening of the Financial System. The law (i) provided for the establishment of a fund for

 

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the stability of the Uruguayan banking system, the Fondo de Estabilidad del Sistema Bancario, or FESB, (ii) extended to three years the maturities of all U.S. dollar-denominated time deposits held with Banco de la República and Banco Hipotecario, (iii) transferred foreign currency-denominated liabilities of Banco Hipotecario to Banco de la República, and (iv) facilitated the liquidation of insolvent banks.

In furtherance of the economic program agreed with the IMF, in December 2002, Congress enacted amendments to the banking law aimed at strengthening the banking system. Following the enactment of these amendments, the government completed the reorganization of Banco Comercial, Banco Montevideo and La Caja Obrera into a new commercial bank, Nuevo Banco Comercial. The non-recoverable assets of the three liquidated banks are held by liquidation funds, and the proceeds have been earmarked to satisfy deposits of the liquidated banks that were not assumed by Nuevo Banco Comercial.

Between January 1, 2002 and February 28, 2003, depositors withdrew approximately US$6.8 billion from the Uruguayan banking system. Banks responded to depositors’ demands by withdrawing approximately US$1.1 billion in reserves and voluntary deposits held with Banco Central and shutting down credit. The financial system received assistance for approximately US$2.0 billion from the Uruguayan authorities.

In 2002, the government adopted a series of initiatives intended to reduce the deficit of the public sector. It relied on access to funding by the IMF and other multilateral agencies to shore up Banco Central’s international reserve assets with the expectation that confidence in the banking system would thereby be restored.

The 2002 economic crisis had profound effects on Uruguay’s monetary and exchange rate policy. The continued devaluation of the Argentine peso and growing uncertainties as to the future of the Brazilian economy increased the risk of a speculative run on the peso. On June 19, 2002, Banco Central allowed the peso to float, abandoning the “crawling peg” system. The devaluation of the peso accelerated in July 2002, dropping to its lowest value of Ps.32.33 per US$1.00 on September 10, 2002. The depreciation of the peso resulted in Uruguay’s foreign currency-denominated debt to GDP ratio rising to 89.1% as of December 31, 2002, while the foreign currency-denominated debt service to exports ratio for 2002 was 33.6%.

The decrease in tax collections attributable to the contraction of GDP, together with the increase in debt service requirements (measured as a percentage of GDP) caused primarily by the devaluation (nearly all of Uruguay’s debt was denominated in foreign currency), practically neutralized the savings achieved by the central government in 2002. As a result, the overall public sector deficit for 2002 was approximately 4.1% of GDP. Nevertheless, by reducing expenditures (excluding interest payments), Uruguay’s public sector generated a primary surplus equal to 0.5% of GDP.

2003-2019: Economic Recovery and Growth

Uruguay’s economy stabilized during the second quarter of 2003 and began to recover, recording an annual real GDP growth of 0.8% and 5.0% in 2003 and 2004, respectively. This improvement was mainly a result of an increase in external demand driven primarily by Argentina’s economic recovery, an increase in the prices of commodities exported by Uruguay, the opening of the U.S. market to Uruguayan beef exports and a recovery in domestic demand spurred by improved consumer and investor confidence. Between 2005 and 2010 GDP grew at an average rate of 6.2%, and continued to grow at rates of 5.2% in 2011, 3.5% in 2012, 4.6% in 2013 and 3.2% in 2014. Commencing in 2015, the rate of economic growth decelerated reflecting the impact of slower economic growth and recession affecting Uruguay’s main regional trade partners and a decrease in the prices of Uruguay’s export commodities. Based on 2016 prices, real GDP grew by 1.6% in 2017, 0.5% in 2018 and 0.4% in 2019. In addition, the annual rate of consumer price inflation reached 6.6% in 2017, 8.0% in 2018 and 8.8% in 2019. For a discussion of Uruguay’s current monetary policy see “Monetary Policy and Inflation—Monetary Policy.”

In 2017, domestic private consumption grew by 3.2% compared to 2016 and represented 78.7% of GDP. In 2018, domestic private consumption grew by 2.2% compared to 2017 and represented 80.1% of GDP. In 2019, domestic private consumption grew by 0.6% compared to 2018 and represented 79.5% of GDP.

In 2017, gross fixed investments increased by 0.4% compared to 2016, representing 16.3% of GDP. In 2018, gross fixed investments decreased by 9.0% compared to 2017, representing 15.0% of GDP. In 2019, gross fixed investments increased by 0.8% compared to 2018, representing 15.4% of GDP.

 

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In 2017, exports grew by 4.9% but decreased by 1.7% in 2018. In 2019, exports of goods and services increased by 3.6%. In 2017, imports increased 7.1% and remained stable during 2018. In 2019, imports of goods and services increased by 1.5%.

Deposits held by the non-financial private sector with the banking system (excluding deposits held with off-shore banks and financial houses), stood at US$28.4 billion at December 31, 2017, US$28.4 billion at December 31, 2018 and US$29.2 billion at December 31, 2019. Approximately 76.2% of those deposits were denominated in foreign currencies (primarily U.S. dollars) as of December 31, 2019, compared to 73.6% as of December 31, 2018. Foreign currency deposits held by non-residents decreased by 21.5% in 2017, following the implementation by Argentina of its tax amnesty in 2016. Foreign currency deposits held by non-residents increased by 0.3% and 8.7% in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

2020-2021: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, the Uruguayan economy was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the reporting of the first four cases of COVID-19 in Uruguay on March 13, 2020, the government declared a state of national sanitary emergency and deployed several measures aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and facilities, expanding testing and enhancing hygiene protocols to prevent mass contagion. As a result, the number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities were contained. At the same time, Uruguay introduced measures to mitigate the deterioration of its macroeconomic condition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in 2020, real GDP decreased 6.1% compared to 2019. In addition, in 2020:

 

   

domestic private consumption decreased by 7.0% compared to 2019, representing 78.2% of GDP;

 

   

gross fixed investments increased by 1.6% compared to 2019, representing 16.7% of GDP; and

 

   

exports of goods and services decreased by 16.0% and imports of goods and services decreased by 12.0%, in each case, compared to 2019; and

 

   

the annual rate of consumer price inflation reached 9.4%.

The measures deployed by the government in response to COVID-19 in 2020 included:

(i) Control of Borders: closure of national borders during certain periods of time, with a mandatory 14-day quarantine for persons arriving from affected zones or countries declared as risky, or symptomatic;

(ii) Mobility Restrictions:

(A) reduction of public transport services to minimum essential services, and implementation of hygiene protocols and mandatory use of masks for metropolitan and interdepartmental bus services, taxis and school transports; and

(B) remote operation of public officers, to the extent that the quality of the applicable public service was not compromised and encouragement for private companies to implement a remote working system.

(ii) School classes: suspension of classes for all educational levels, public and private (except for guaranteed daily food assistance for students) from March to October 2020.

(iii) Restrictions to Commerce, Leisure Activities and Tourism: suspension of all public performances and outdoor events and restrictions on the hours of operation of restaurants, bars and related businesses.

(iv) Vaccination Plan: Uruguay subscribed to the COVAX mechanism of the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization and join the pool of countries to purchase approved vaccines.

 

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Simultaneously, in 2020, Uruguay implemented several measures to limit the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and help citizens, particularly those in vulnerable sectors, and businesses deal with the immediate consequences. The measures spanned the following areas:

(i) Credit preservation, liquidity injection, and loan guarantees for enterprises. The measures include the following:

(A) state-owned Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay introduced more flexible loan repayment and financing terms for affected borrowers, including lower interest rates and longer maturities;

(B) Banco Central reduced commercial banks’ reserve requirements on local currency deposits until June 30, 2021, in order to inject liquidity into the local currency loan market (See “Monetary Policy and Inflation—Monetary Policy”);

(C) the National Development Agency launched a direct credit program for micro-entrepreneurs, providing working capital loans for up to 24 months at subsidized rates (in effect, Ps.12,000 monthly loans available for approximately 67,000 single-member companies, to be granted for the months of April and May 2020);

(D) the government introduced amendments to the National Guarantee System (National System of Guarantees, or SIGA), creating three specific programs for the tourism sector (SIGA Impulso) and other sectors directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (SIGA Emergencia for small and medium-size enterprises and SIGA Plus for large enterprises), including the guarantee of credit lines for working capital and refinancing for up to a maximum amount of UI 1.8 million (equivalent to US$200,000). The SIGA Plus expired in April, 2021, while the SIGA Emergencia was extended until December 2021 and the SIGA Impulso was extended until April 2022. As of December 31, 2021, companies had collectively withdrawn US$1,756 million in bank loans under the three SIGA Programs, representing US$1,189 million in public guarantees from the government.

(ii) Protecting household purchasing power: For a description of measures adopted to protect household purchasing power, see “Environmental, Social & Governance Matters—Social Matters—Poverty and Income Distribution”.

(iii) Tax relief, easing of bank regulations and postponement of other obligations: The measures include the following:

(A) deferral of the March, April and May 2020 payments of the minimum VAT applicable to micro- and small-enterprises (i.e., enterprises with a monthly income below Ps.113,612), which will be paid in six equal and consecutive installments, without penalty interest;

(B) a reduction in the VAT rate applicable to hotel services, from 10% to 0% between December 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, and in the VAT rate applicable to gastronomic activities and car rentals, from 22% to 13% from December 1, 2020 to April 4, 2021;

(C) deferral of the annual balance of income tax and capital tax payments for all taxpayers (excluding large taxpayers) whose fiscal years ended between December 31, 2019 and February 29, 2020;

(D) deferral of the annual income tax affidavit presentation for all taxpayers whose fiscal year ended on December 31, 2019;

(E) a 60% deferral in the payment of workers’ social security tax collected by Banco de Previsión Social (BPS) for the months of April and May 2020 by individual employers and micro- and small- enterprises with up to 10 employees, with the amount deferred to be paid in six installments beginning June 2020 (with the remaining 40% balance to be exempted and paid by the government);

(F) for retirees with outstanding loans from BPS whose pension payments are below Ps.13,600, a deferral in their May, June and July 2020 installments;

 

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(G) Banco Central, through the Superintendency of Financial Services, authorized banks, financial services companies and credit management companies to extend families and companies loan maturities for up to 180 days, for debtors whose income may be affected as a result of the health emergency; and

(H) Banco Hipotecario del Uruguay announced a 50% reduction in instalments to be paid during April and May 2020 for all its clients with outstanding mortgage debt.

Moreover, the government introduced changes to the General Investment Promotion Regime providing additional tax incentives to encourage employment creation (including housing, offices and urbanization construction) and the use of clean technologies. In addition, the government implemented tax breaks and fiscal benefits for big-ticket construction projects and social housing. Since the implementation of such changes, investment projects presented before the Investment Law Enforcement Commission (“COMAP”, for its acronym in Spanish) increased significantly. During 2020 and 2021, investment projects totaling US$2.9 billion were presented.

(iv) Fiscal relief: the government introduced various tax and tariff relief exemption measures in 2020. In particular, the government exempted specific sectors, including education, culture, sports and real estate from the payment of fixed and variable fees associated with electricity consumption, as well as fixed fees associated with water consumption, in each case, from April to September 2020. The exemptions were also extended until November 2020 for travel agencies. In addition, from April to November 2020, hotels, restaurants and social event halls were exempted from the payment of the fixed fees associated with electricity consumption. These measures were subsequently extended through May 31, 2021.

(v) Creation of the Coronavirus Fund: the Coronavirus Fund was created in 2020 and is managed by the Executive Power, through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which is authorized to assign resources and budgetary expenditures to address the emergency, and is required to timely disclose information on such budgetary expenditures assignment, adopt procedures to allow ex-post evaluation and accountability review. The Coronavirus Fund is funded with (i) up to 30% of the net earnings recorded by the state-owned Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, and 100% of the accumulated profits of the Corporación Nacional para el Desarrollo; (ii) contributions from the National Institute of Agricultural Research and the National Meat Institute, in addition to tax credit waivers from cattle farmers (1% municipal tax on the sales of cattle); (iii) tax collections from a monthly tax (Impuesto Emergencia Sanitaria COVID-19) that applies to remunerations and nominal benefits of public employees of the central government, departmental governments, autonomous entities and decentralized services, non-state public law persons and state-owned entities (healthcare employees who are directly or indirectly exposed to COVID-19 as a result of their employment are exempt) in a progressive scale; (iv) donations (including in foreign currencies) contributed to the Coronavirus Fund; (v) proceeds of loans from international and multilateral credit organizations; (vi) contributions by non-state public persons; and (vii) other funds or contributions intended for the Coronavirus Fund. The Coronavirus Fund assigned US$711 million during 2020, of which US$144 million were monetary transfers to families in a vulnerable socioeconomic position under several plans implemented, such as Tarjeta Uruguay Social (Uruguay Social Card) and the Plan de Equidad (Fairness Plan), among others.

Evolution of COVID-19

Between March and October 2020, the daily average of new positive cases of COVID-19 were 13, with a maximum of 65 cases in one day. Starting November 2020, the daily average number of new positive cases began to increase at a faster pace, reaching 91 in November 2020 and 428 in December 2020.

During the first quarter of 2021, the daily average number of new positive cases continued to increase, reaching a maximum of 3,099 new positive cases in May 2021, and it began to decrease significantly beginning June 2021 mainly due to higher COVID-19 vaccination rates, reaching 160 in October 2021. However, as of December 2021, the daily average number of new positive cases increased to 442 due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant.

The number of deaths also increased, from 58 deaths between March and October 2020 to 181 deaths as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2021, the number of deaths stood at 6,170.

 

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The acceleration in the spread of the virus, particularly during March and April 2021, led the government to implement new measures to contain the spread of the virus and help the ability of Uruguay’s healthcare system to remain responsive.

Between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021, the government adopted the following measures related to developments of the COVID-19 pandemic:

 

   

Control of Borders: On February 1, 2021, the government reopened national borders for Uruguayan citizens and resident foreigners. Beginning on November 1, 2021, the government opened its borders to all foreigners who were fully vaccinated and that presented a negative COVID-19 test at the time of arrival.

 

   

School classes: On March 23, 2021, the government announced the suspension of in-person school attendance for all educational levels, public and private, which had resumed in October 2020, following their suspension in March 2020. The government implemented a gradual return to in-person attendance for elementary and primary schools, starting with rural schools with one teacher on May 3, 2021 and toddlers and children aged 0 to 5 on May 10, 2021. On May 18, 2021, children from first to third grade returned to classrooms, with the exception of students from Canelones, Montevideo and Salto, who returned on June 7, 2021. On June 14, 2021, students from fourth to sixth grade resumed in-person school attendance, except for those from Montevideo and Canelones, who returned on June 21, 2021. On July 12, 2021, secondary school students began resuming in-person attendance and, as of July 29, 2021, all secondary school students had returned to in-person school attendance.

 

   

Reactivation of Commerce, Leisure and Tourism Activities: Beginning July 5, 2021, the government authorized public shows, social gatherings, events and food courts to reopen, subject to capacity limitations and compliance with health protocols.

 

   

Credit preservation, liquidity injection and loan guarantees for enterprises: On April 6, 2021, Banco Central authorized the extension of capital and interests maturities of bank loans for up to 12 months which are restructured through June 30, 2021. On April 20, 2021, the government announced that it will award zero rate soft-credits for up to Ps.25,000 through the National Development Agency to up to 7,000 micro- and small-companies affected by the pandemic. In addition, new loans at subsidized rates for up to Ps.100,000 were made available to approximately 5,000 companies.

 

   

Protecting household purchasing power: Between March and April 2021, the government increased monetary transfers under the Plan de Equidad, pursuant to which the Banco de Previsión Social (“BPS”) grants cash benefit to families in a situation of socioeconomic vulnerability. This increase constituted the sixth time that the amounts provided under this program are doubled in a bi-monthly period since the program was launched. Between April and June 2021, monetary transfers to vulnerable families were doubled, and, between May and June 2021, the amount granted as food basket transfers was also be doubled. In addition, the government allocated US$4.5 million on shelters of the Ministry of Social Development and US$4.5 million on food provision in places serving community meals. On May 20, 2021, the government launched the Job Opportunity Program, which created 15,000 jobs granted during a six-month period to people who are unemployed and without any public or private salary benefit or subsidies of any kind. The program has been extended until October 2022.

 

   

Unemployment Insurance: The partial unemployment insurance plan, which allows companies to place employees on part-time schedules and use the unemployment insurance fund to ensure that employees receive wages as close as possible to their regular wages, was further extended through March 31, 2021. On March 2, 2021, the government announced the further extension of the partial unemployment insurance plan through June 30, 2021. On December 2020, the government implemented a special unemployment benefit regime for workers in tourism, movie theaters and film distribution from January 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021. On April 20, 2021, the government announced a monthly subsidy of Ps. 7,305 for three-months to approximately 18,000 self-employed workers affected by the pandemic, as well as the incorporation into the unemployment insurance scheme workers who have more than one employment. On March 3, 2021, the government granted a monthly subsidy of Ps. 6,779 for three months to workers of the cultural sector who were not earning a salary. In addition, each employer was awarded Ps. 5,000 per month in the form of lower contributions (for up to three months) for each employee leaving the partial unemployment insurance plan to resume work. Additionally, the government granted a subsidy of Ps. 8,000 per month, applicable from December 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, to employers in the tourism sector that reincorporate

 

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employees who had relied on the unemployment insurance plan and to those employers that hire new workers. On June 28, 2021, the government announced a 50% increase in the minimum amount granted as unemployment insurance.

 

   

Extension of the National Health Insurance Coverage: On January 8, 2021, the government announced the extension of the National Health Insurance until December 31, 2021, to dependent and non-dependent employees registered in a health plan as of February 28, 2020, who lost coverage due to the termination of employment during the national health emergency. As of March 23, 2021, all workers who use the National Health Insurance due to contact with a person with COVID-19 will receive coverage through the quarantine period indicated by a health provider. On June 28, 2021, the government announced that pregnant women are eligible to benefit from the health insurance coverage for up to three months.

 

   

Tax relief: On April 20, 2021, the government announced (i) new tariff relief measures, including exemption to specific sectors from the payment of fixed and variable fees associated with electricity consumption, as well as fixed fees associated with water and telecommunications services consumption, from May to June 2021; (ii) tax relief measures such as the exemption from the capital tax advance to sectors most affected by the pandemic for the first six months of 2021, the suspension of the minimum income tax on economic activities and an increase in the amount subject to deduction under the net worth tax applicable to certain companies; (iii) a 100% exemption in the payment of social security employers’ contributions collected by BPS for the first half of 2021 in the case of sectors that have been strongly affected by the pandemic and a 50% exemption for small enterprises of the manufacturing and commerce sectors; and (vi) the implementation of a payment installment plan for taxes and social security contributions. The government prepared a list of sectors under the “strongly affected by the pandemic” category, which includes: tourism (accommodation, gastronomy, transport, travel agencies, duty-free shop border), event planners and providers, transportation, sports, education, culture and recreation.

 

   

Vaccination Plan: On February 28, 2021, the government launched the national vaccination plan aimed at immunizing Uruguay’s population older than 18 (approximately 2,704,337 people), commencing with healthcare personnel, teachers, police officers, firefighters, military personnel and caregivers. Inoculation is not mandatory. On June 9, 2021, Uruguay started the vaccination of teenagers (12 to 17 years old), who account for 289,650 people, increasing the target population of the vaccination plan to 2,993,987 people. On December 29, 2021, the government commenced the vaccination of children between 5 and 11 years old, who account for 323,185 people, increasing the target population of the vaccination plan to 3,317,172 people.

Overall, as of December 31, 2021, the government had purchased 3.85 million doses from Sinovac, 3.5 million from Pfizer-BioNTech and 0.2 million doses from AstraZeneca. The vaccination plan represented an expense of approximately US$204 million, which was financed with resources from the “COVID-19 Solidarity Fund” created on April 8, 2020 by Law No. 19,874 (the “Coronavirus Fund”). In addition, on July 8, 2021, the government received a donation of 500,000 Pfizer-BioNTech doses from the United States. On October 28, 2021, the government agreed to purchase an additional 3.7 million Pfizer-BioNTech doses for 2022, which are expected to arrive on a quarterly basis. As a consequence of the effective national vaccination plan, the economy showed a general recovery as of March 31, 2021.

On April 20, 2021, in light of the additional measures introduced to address the COVID-19 outbreak, the government announced that it had increased the total amount of resources it expects to earmark to mitigate the effects of the pandemic from US$540 million to US$900 million. In June 2021, the government increased that amount to US$980 million. In February 2022, the Ministry of Economy and Finance ratified the Coronavirus Fund expenditures incurred during 2021, which stood at US$1,153 million. To partially fund this increase, on March 23, 2021 the government reinstated a monthly tax (Impuesto Emergencia Sanitaria 2 COVID-19) during two months based on a progressive scale applicable to salaries and nominal benefits above Ps. 120,000 earned by public employees of the central government, departmental governments, autonomous entities and decentralized services, non-state public law persons and state-owned entities and retirees (healthcare employees who are directly or indirectly exposed to COVID-19 as a result of their employment are exempt).

For a description of measures adopted in 2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, see “Recent Developments—The Economy—COVID-19 Pandemic.

 

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The Economic Policies of the Lacalle Pou Administration

The Lacalle Pou administration has remained focused on macroeconomic stability, and intends to continue pursuing its main policy objectives and broad structural reform agenda, which include:

 

   

boosting productivity and improving the competitiveness of the Uruguayan economy;

 

   

improving the efficiency of the public sector, including state-owned companies, through reforms that aim at enhancing governance;

 

   

strengthening commercial relationships with the Mercosur member countries, while promoting other exports markets and seeking partnerships with other trading partners;

 

   

maintaining a prudent fiscal stance, recognizing this as a condition to long-term fiscal sustainability; and

 

   

promoting a social security reform through the establishment of an expert commission that will be tasked with preparing a diagnosis report, which the Lacalle Pou administration intends to use to send a draft bill to Congress.

On March 11, 2020, the Lacalle Pou Administration announced a set of measures aimed at improving fiscal accounts requiring ministries to reduce annual operating and investment expenses (excluding wages) by 15% and other austerity initiatives. In addition, only one third of personnel vacancies generated in the central government during the course of each year would be covered, with the exception of teachers, health personnel and employees from the Ministerio del Interior (Ministry of Internal Affairs).

On April 23, 2020, the Lacalle Pou administration submitted to Congress the bill of the Urgent Consideration Law to implement certain key measures and structural reforms in line with the administration’s objectives, which was enacted into law on July 9, 2020. These objectives include, among others, (i) a new fiscal rule, fiscal framework and budget process to ensure sustainable finances over the medium term; (ii) new governance policies for public enterprises; and (iii) microeconomic reforms (such as the regulatory framework for the energy markets and promotion of competition in non-tradable sectors) to boost potential GDP and competitiveness. Specifically, the fiscal rule is anchored on a structural fiscal result, limiting growth in the Central Government’s real public spending, which shall be tied to the estimated long-term average (i.e., “potential”) growth of the economy. Fiscal surpluses would be earmarked to a purported countercyclical fund to finance fiscal policies in recessionary economic cycles.

On June 30, 2021, the government submitted to Congress a draft bill containing the fiscal performance report for fiscal year 2020 and potential amendments to the 2020-2024 Budget (the “2020 Rendición de Cuentas”). See “—Fiscal Policy.”

Role of the State in the Economy

The government participates in the economy through state ownership of certain companies. Since 1999, however, legislation has been passed to allow the private sector to participate in the provision of telephone (other than fixed line) and railroad services, in the administration of maritime ports, in the importation and distribution of natural gas and in certain other areas of the economy previously restricted to the public sector. Also, several regulatory entities were created to monitor the telecommunications, water, electricity, railway freight, oil and sanitation sectors. In addition, in 2011, the government enacted Law No. 18,786, creating and regulating public-private participation contracts for infrastructure and related services. This law establishes a new type of arrangement designed to allow private investors and the government to invest in different areas of the economy, primarily the energy and infrastructure sectors, requiring significant investments.

 

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At present, the government owns:

 

  1.

the local telecommunications company, Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (“ANTEL”);

 

  2.

the electric power utility, Administración Nacional de Usinas y Trasmisiones Eléctricas (“UTE”);

 

  3.

the oil refinery company, Administración Nacional de Combustibles Alcohol y Pórtland (“ANCAP”);

 

  4.

the water and sewage authority, Obras Sanitarias del Estado (“OSE”);

 

  5.

Administración Nacional de Puertos (“ANP”), which operates most of Uruguay’s ports;

 

  6.

Administración de Ferrocarriles del Estado (“AFE”), which operates railway freight services;

 

  7.

Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay (“BROU”) and Banco Hipotecario del Uruguay (“BHU”) (state-owned financial institutions);

 

  8.

Banco de Seguros del Estado (“BSE”) (an insurance company); and

 

  9.

Administración Nacional de Correos (“ANC”), a postal services company that competes with several private sector companies.

ANTEL has been the traditional provider of domestic and international long-distance telephone services in Uruguay and is also the major provider of internet services in Uruguay. ANTEL also provides basic telephone service in localities outside major urban areas, and has developed rural telephone services.

UTE provides electric power and services to Uruguay. With the exception of Salto Grande, a bi-national hydroelectric facility jointly owned by the Uruguayan and Argentine governments, UTE owns and operates all of the hydroelectric generation plants in Uruguay. It also owns and operates several thermoelectric and gas facilities and all of Uruguay’s electricity transmission assets. UTE currently provides all of the domestic electricity services in Uruguay, although the private sector may engage in generation activities and industrial consumers are able to purchase energy directly from foreign sources taking advantage of interconnection arrangements with Brazil and Argentina.

To complement traditional energy sources (fossil such as gas oil, fuel oil and natural gas, as well as biomass waste and hydraulic), UTE has developed wind farms and solar energy projects.

In 2017, 2% of total electricity generation derived from gas oil, fuel oil and natural gas and the remaining 98% from renewable sources (18% biomass waste, 52% hydroelectric, 26% wind, and 2% solar). In 2017, the installed wind and solar power amounted to 1,511MW and 243MW. In 2018, approximately 3% of total electricity generation derived from fossil sources and the remaining 97% from renewable sources (17% biomass, 45% hydroelectric, 32% wind energy and 3% solar energy). In 2018, the installed wind and solar power amounted to 1,511MW and 248MW, respectively. In 2019, approximately 2% of total electricity generation derived from fossil sources and the remaining 98% from renewable sources (15% biomass, 50% hydroelectric, 30% wind energy and 3% solar energy). In 2019, the installed wind and solar power amounted to 1,514MW and 254MW, respectively. In 2020, approximately 6% of total electricity generation derived from fossil sources and the remaining 94% from renewable sources (20% biomass, 30% hydroelectric, 41% wind energy and 3% solar energy). In 2020, the installed wind and solar power amounted to 1,514MW and 258MW, respectively. In 2021, approximately 15% of total electricity generation derived from fossil sources and the remaining 85% from renewable sources (18% biomass, 33% hydroelectric, 31% wind energy and 3% solar energy). In 2021, the installed wind and solar power amounted to 1,514MW and 262MW, respectively.

 

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The increase in wind and solar energy generation since 2015 has decreased Uruguay’s dependence on energy imports. This energy matrix transformation has improved Uruguay’s ability to withstand external economic shocks that would impact on the fiscal condition of Uruguay’s public sector.

ANCAP is the national oil refinery, responsible for processing the crude oil imported by Uruguay and marketing refined products. Uruguay has no known oil reserves.

Beginning in 2008, the government created several programs to be implemented by ANCAP aimed at awarding private sector enterprises with hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation contracts in off-shore Uruguayan areas.

In addition, ANCAP, and privately-owned companies run the gas transportation and distribution business within a regulatory framework based on the granting of concessions, contracts and decrees by the government. Uruguay imports all the natural gas it consumes.

On January 4, 2016, Congress approved the capitalization of UIs 5.7 billion (approximately US$614 million) of claims held by the government against ANCAP.

In May 2019, the government approved a new regime for the selection of oil operating companies for the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in five onshore and six offshore areas, the “Open Uruguay Round.” In this continuously open process, companies can qualify and submit offers at any time. The system consists of two bidding rounds per year, with opening of offers twice a year. If awarded, the exploratory period contract will have a term of up to eleven years, while the term of the contract including the exploitation period is thirty years, subject to extension for ten additional years. In 2019, Kosmos Energy and Tullow Oil presented qualification requests to participate in the process.

On November 28, 2019, ANCAP and ION Geophysical Corporation entered into a multi-client agreement to reprocess approximately 22.500 km² of 3D deep water blocks off the coast of Uruguay to provide ANCAP with more precise information for the development of offshore exploration activities in Uruguay (the “Tannat Project”). The Tannat Project is a non-exclusive, multi-client operation at the entire cost and risk of ION Geophysical Corporation, which in turn is authorized to grant licenses to third parties (for a period of up to 10 years) on the offshore collected information. On May 25, 2020, and after the approval by the Executive Power, ANCAP signed an agreement with Challenger Energy for the exploration of block OFF-1. The exploration activities include (i) a geological evaluation, (ii) modeling activities, (iii) the evaluation of prospective resources and (iv) the licensing and reprocessing of existing 2D seismic data.

In June 2021, ANCAP announced the identification and inventory of 13 drillable prospects in sedimentary basins of Uruguay, conducting a probabilistic technical and economic evaluation of the hypothetical income upon discovery, development and production for the complete life cycle of these 13 prospects.

On July 30, 2021, the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced the commencement of the application of a new fuel tariff mechanism based on the Import Price Parity (“IPP”), of which the main component is the FOB oil price. To calculate the final price of fuels, the following components, among others, must be added to the IPP value: (i) freights and insurance costs, (ii) logistics costs, (iii) working capital costs, (iv) taxes and (v) ANCAP’s overrun (calculated at 2.97 pesos per liter of fuel). The IPP is published in a monthly report prepared by the Regulatory Unit of Energy and Water Services (URSEA, for its acronym in Spanish).

To diversify the energy matrix and obtain a constant supply of natural gas, the successive governments have considered different actions for the production of LNG in Uruguay. In August 2012, Uruguay initiated an international bidding process for the construction and operation of Gas Sayago, a LNG regasification facility in Montevideo with a processing capacity of 10 million cubic meters of gas per day and a storage capacity of 267 million cubic meters. The regasification plant, once operational, was expected to inject natural gas to the local distribution network for homes, industries, transportation and electrical energy generation. In May 2013, the government awarded a 20-year concession to GSSA (owned by UTE and ANCAP) and Gas Natural Licuado del Sur S.A. (“GNLS”), a consortium comprised of GDF Suez S.A. and the Japanese company Marubeni, for the construction and operation of Gas Sayago. The terms of the award required the LNG regasification facility to be operative in 2016. The agreement between GSSA and GNLS was terminated in September 2015 following an impossibility to perform by GNLS’s subcontractor, OAS S.A. Under the terms of that same agreement, the Republic was paid US$100 million by GNLS on account of such termination.

 

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In October 2016, OAS S.A. filed an additional claim within an existing proceeding against Gas Sayago S.A. and Banco de Seguros del Estado petitioning the nullity of certain guarantees made for the benefit of Gas Sayago under the aforementioned contract and, alternatively, their non-enforceability. Gas Sayago S.A. disputed all facts alleged in OAS S.A. lawsuits.

As of the date of this annual report, there were no substantial development on either dispute resolution proceedings.

On May 15, 2018, OAS S.A. (a Brazilian construction company) filed a lawsuit against Gas Sayago SA, the ANCAP and UTE claiming damages in the amount of approximately US$30,000,000, due to alleged breaches to a certain gas pipeline construction agreement entered into among the Uruguayan branch of OAS S.A. and Gas Sayago S.A.

As of the date of this annual report, the proceeding is in the discovery stage.

OSE is Uruguay’s largest water company, providing water and sanitation services to all of the country and sewage services outside Montevideo.

For a description of the functions and operations of Banco de la República and of Banco Hipotecario, see “The Banking Sector.”

Results of Non-Financial State-Owned Enterprises

During the past ten years, non-financial state-owned enterprises have in the aggregate recorded operating profits.

The following table sets forth selected financial data for the principal state-owned enterprises as of the dates and for the periods indicated.

Principal Public Sector Enterprises

(in millions of US$)(1)

 

     Total Assets      Total Liabilities      Net Profits (Losses)     Percentage of
State Ownership
 

ANCAP

     1,467        721        88       100

ANP(2)

     702        126        51       100

AFE(2)

     220        8        (21     100

ANTEL

     1,434        249        241       100

OSE

     1,430        486        9       100

UTE

     6,120        3,183        386       100

 

(1) 

Except as otherwise indicated, data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021. Converted into U.S. dollars at the rate of Ps.44.695 per US$1.00, the market rate on December 31, 2021.

(2) 

Data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. Converted into U.S. dollars at the rate of Ps.42.340 per US$1.00, the market rate on December 31, 2020.

Source: Individual financial statements of each public enterprise.

In October 2018, Congress approved legislation authorizing public enterprises to access markets to hedge currency risk, allowing them to attain a more efficient exposure to the financial and market risks associated with their operations. Further, Banco Central’s agreements with UTE and ANCAP were amended to permit forward currency contracts to mitigate the effects of foreign exchange variations in the financial results of such public enterprises and Banco Central, distributing foreign exchange risk among public institutions that are better equipped to absorb such risk.

The current administration has emphasized its willingness to open up state-owned companies to competition, as it takes measures to reduce further barriers to trade and to deregulate markets. It has also stated its intention to draw clearer distinctions between the role of the state as a regulator and as a shareholder or owner of commercial enterprises.

 

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Infrastructure Projects

In 2017, the government and the private sector jointly invested approximately US$531 million in the rehabilitation of roads. In 2018, investments of approximately US$596 million were made in road infrastructure. In 2019, investments of approximately US$496 million were made in road infrastructure. In 2020, investments of approximately US$372 million were made in road infrastructure.

In June 2022, the government announced that it expects to invest approximately US$3.3 billion in road infrastructure between 2021 and 2024, which will mainly be executed by Corporación Vial del Uruguay S.A (“CVU”), a special-purpose company responsible for road projects, owned by the Corporación Nacional para el Desarrollo (“CND”). In 2021, road infrastructure investments amounted to US$505 million.

Large-scale Foreign Direct Investments, Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development and CREMAF contracts

In December 2012, the government announced the first project under the public-private participation framework involving the construction, operation and maintenance of a prison with capacity for 1,960 inmates. The project, which required an investment of US$93 million, was completed in January 2018.

On November 8, 2017, the government and the Finnish company UPM entered into an investment agreement outlining the terms for the construction of a second pulp mill with a 2 million tons annual production capacity. According to UPM’s estimates, the plant will require an on-site investment of €2 billion. On July 23, 2019, UPM confirmed the investment in a second pulp mill.

As part of the construction permit process required by the Uruguayan authorities, UPM submitted an environmental and social impact study prepared by the consulting companies EIA-Estudio Ingeniería Ambiental (Uruguay) and Ecometrix (Canada). The report concluded that if the project is carried out under the outline considered, and the bespoke recommended corrective measures and the applicable Environmental Management Plans are implemented, the project will meet environmental regulation requirements. On April 30, 2019, the Ministerio de Vivienda, Ordenamiento Territorial y Medio Ambiente (Ministry of Housing, Zoning and the Environment) held a public hearing where the environmental impact study and the characteristics of the project were discussed.

On May 15, 2020, the Uruguayan government entered into a complementary memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UPM relating to UPM’s investment in the second pulp mill stating, among other terms, that UPM intends to (i) advance US$60 million as partial financing for certain road infrastructure projects, including the modification of routes to make them suitable for circulation of heavy vehicles and (ii) provide US$68 million as partial financing for certain electrical infrastructure projects to be carried out by UTE. These contributions by UPM are expected to replace investments that the government would have otherwise undertaken, while increasing employment generation in the country.

Following the confirmation by UPM of its investment in a second pulp mill on July 23, 2019 and as of the date of this annual report, the construction of the pulp mill is ongoing, in accordance with the 2017 investment agreement between the government and UPM.

Further, as of the date of this annual report, the construction of the railway pursuant to the agreement entered into between the Ministerio de Transporte y Obras Públicas (Ministry of Transport and Public Works) and Grupo Vía Central is also ongoing, slightly behind schedule.

Additionally, UPM has committed to invest an additional aggregate amount of US$55 million in two projects: the expansion of its paper pulp mill located in Fray Bentos and the construction of a plant nursery with a research and development facility. These additional investments are expected to increase UPM’s use of electricity, thereby reducing the expected amount of excess electricity supply from UPM that UTE would be required to purchase under the electricity supply contract between both parties. The current government estimates that UTE will save approximately US$7 million per year and US$140 million in total during the 20-year term, as a result of these investments.

 

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In September 2018, the National Ports Administration (“ANP”) of Uruguay launched an international public bidding process for the building and operation of a port terminal in Montevideo specialized in the storage and shipping of pulp, chemicals and other inputs related to pulp production, with a concession tenure of 50 years. The bidding process was launched in anticipation of the possible building of a new pulp mill, and UPM was the only bidder. On July 25, 2019, UPM and ANP entered into an agreement to build a dedicated port terminal in Montevideo. According to UPM’s preliminary estimates, the port facilities will require investments of approximately US$260 million.

On December 5, 2017, the government called for bids under a Public-Private Partnerships financing scheme for the construction of a new railway line connecting the center of the country with the port of Montevideo, and the related transportation infrastructure. The railway line seeks to generate the necessary conditions for the new paper pulp mill to be built by UPM, which is expected to be located in the center of the country. The government estimates that the new railway line will require investments of approximately US$839 million and will have the capacity to transport approximately 4.5 million tons of paper pulp and raw materials per year. The bidding process received several offers. However, only Grupo Via Central (comprised of Saceem, Berkers, Sacyr and NGE) and a consortium led by Spanish construction firm Acciona reached the final stage of presenting economic proposals. In August 2018, the Ministerio de Transporte y Obras Públicas (Ministry of Transport and Public Works) disqualified Acciona’s offer for failure to meet the bidding process requirements. In September 2018, Acciona filed two administrative appeals challenging the bidding process, alleging that Acciona had been improperly disqualified. Such appeals do not have the legal effect of suspending the bidding process, which the Ministry of Transport and Public Works is still conducting. In November 2018, the Tribunal de Cuentas (Audit Court) approved Grupo Vía Central’s economic proposal for the construction of a new railway line connecting Paso de los Toros in the center of the country with the port of Montevideo and the related transportation infrastructure. In April 2019, IDB Invest, a member of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, approved a financial package of approximately US$500 million for the new railway, with a term of up to 17 years and consisting of a senior loan of up to US$440 million and a subordinated loan of up to US$60 million, financed by IDB Invest and a group of commercial banks and international investors. In May 2019, the Ministerio de Transporte y Obras Públicas (Ministry of Transport and Public Works) signed a contract with Grupo Vía Central to commence works on the new railway.

As of December 31, 2021, the Public-Private Partnerships infrastructure portfolio involved railways (with investments estimated at US$785 million), roads (with investments estimated at US$684 million), educational infrastructure (with investments estimated at US$173 million) and prison infrastructure (with investments estimated at US$93 million). Furthermore, the Public-Private Partnership infrastructure portfolio has twelve projects, four in the operation stage, five in the construction stage and three in the financial closing stage.

In 2020, the government launched the CREMAF contracts, a concession system to promote private investment in road infrastructure. Under the CREMAF contracts, the concessionaire’s revenue is mainly based on the collection of irrevocable payment certificates (CIP, for its acronym in Spanish) issued by the grantor when a milestone within the construction process is reached. The CIP is an executive title and enables the concessionaire to recover a large part of the investment during the construction phase of the project.

Minera Aratirí S.A. Arbitration

On July 3, 2018, three individuals alleging to be investors of Minera Aratirí S.A. (“Aratirí”), a company incorporated in Uruguay, presented a claim against the Republic before the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, alleging a violation by Uruguay of the Treaty of Protection and Promotion of Investments between the Republic and the United Kingdom. The claim relates to an iron ore project submitted in 2011 by Aratirí and claims compensation for approximately US$3.5 billion.

On August 6, 2020, the arbitral tribunal appointed to decide on the Minera Aratirí S.A. arbitration case upheld Uruguay’s objection to jurisdiction, holding that the claimants were not owners of certain interests in the Aratirí Project and therefore lacked standing to make a claim in respect of an investment. In addition, the Arbitral Tribunal ordered the claimants to reimburse Uruguay US$4,097,149.25 in costs. On October 1, 2020, the claimants initiated proceedings before the Paris Court of Appeals to obtain the annulment of the award. On July 30, 2021, the Republic submitted its counter-memorial to the Court.

 

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Agreement with Petrobras

In July 2019, representatives of Uruguay and Petrobras S.A. (“Petrobras”) met to discuss the operation of gas distribution concessions held by Conecta S.A. (“Conecta”) and Montevideo Gas S.A. (“Montevideo Gas”), 55% and 100% controlled by Petrobras, respectively, in light of the companies’ adverse financial conditions and labor unrest. The government and Petrobras agreed to (i) take all necessary steps to finalize Conecta’s and Montevideo Gas’ concessions before September 30, 2019, (ii) terminate all open litigation, renouncing to any further claims arising under such concessions, and (iii) that the government would assume the operation of both concessions.

Gas Sayago S.A. (“GSSA”)

On March 26, 2019, UTE and ANCAP launched a public bidding process to sell 100% of GSSA’s shares, which were held by UTE (79.35% of shares) and ANCAP (20.65% of shares). On December 16, 2019, UTE’s board of directors decided to terminate the aforementioned bidding process. On December 31, 2019, GSSA extraordinary shareholders meeting took place, where a resolution approving the dissolution and liquidation of the entity was approved. As of the date of this annual report, the dissolution and liquidation of GSSA was pending.

Latin American Regional Aviation Holding S. de R.L. v. Oriental Republic of Uruguay

In September 2018, Latin American Regional Aviation Holdings S. de RL (LARAH), a Panamanian investment company that allegedly owned shares in Uruguay’s airline, Pluna, filed a claim before the arbitral tribunal appointed by the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) arguing that the Republic was responsible for the alleged damages to LARAH arising from Pluna’s liquidation. Uruguay filed its counter-memorial on the merits on May 19, 2021, and the tribunal issued an order on the production of documents on August 2, 2021. The Republic received the reply to its counter-memorial on December 3, 2021.

Katoen Natie Investment

On March 2, 2021, the government and the Belgian company Katoen Natie announced an agreement to expand the specialized container terminal of the port of Montevideo in exchange for an investment by Katoen Natie; additionally, Katoen Natie agreed not to pursue the claims contained in the notice of dispute it had previously submitted before the Uruguayan government. According to Katoen Natie’s announcement, the investment will amount to US$455 million and entails expanding the concession area to its maximum, including the construction of a second container beach and a second dock of approximately 700 meters. The agreement includes an extension of the concession term for 50 years.

Privatizations

While privatizations have not been a major focus of Uruguay’s economic policy, successive governments have divested or privatized certain state-owned enterprises, such as the gas company servicing Montevideo in 1993, and has taken measures to transfer certain activities, such as sewage, garbage collection, maintenance and the administration of certain ports and airports, to the private sector through concessions and other similar arrangements. Legislation has also been enacted enabling the government to open various components of the telecommunications and energy and gas sectors to private investment. Proceeds from privatizations have not been material to date.

Throughout different administrations, governments have been committed to improving the competitiveness of the Uruguayan economy and encouraging private investment by continuing to open several areas of the economy previously reserved to public sector enterprises to private investment. Through the Administración Nacional de Telecomunicaciones, or ANTEL, the local telecommunications company, several revenue-sharing arrangements with private companies for the installation and operation of certain new telecommunication facilities have been implemented. In February 2001, Congress approved the licensing of cellular phone services and data transmission to private sector providers and opening of the telecommunications sector (other than local fixed-line services but including long-distance) to private sector providers. In December 2002 and May 2004, licenses were granted to

 

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foreign telecommunications companies, to provide mobile telephone services. Other activities that have been opened to private sector participation include the management and administration of the postal service (2001), the Montevideo airport (2005) and the Punta del Este airport (in 2019 a concession for its operation was extended for 14 years).

The government also charged the Corporación Nacional Para el Desarrollo, or CND, a state-owned investment corporation, with overall responsibility for the administration of a program of public works. CND currently owns the concessions as well as 100% of the shares of CVU, a special-purpose company responsible for the road projects. CVU’s investments are financed through toll collections, loans from multilateral agencies, government subsidies and debt issuances in the domestic capital market. In 2021, CVU issued debt for US$150 million. CVU’s investments executed during 2020 amounted to US$134.8 million.

In July 2007, the government sold 75% of the equity of Pluna Airlines to Leadgate Investment Corporation (45%) and to Sociedad Aeronáutica Oriental S.A. (30%), and retained a 25% stake in the airline under Pluna Ente Autónomo (Pluna Autonomous Entity). The new company was called Pluna Líneas Aéreas S.A. In 2011, Pluna incurred severe losses, and its liquidity and financial condition deteriorated severely. On June 15, 2012, Leadgate—the controlling shareholder—transferred all of its shares in Pluna to a trust under the surveillance of the Uruguayan government. In July 2012, Pluna suspended all flights and initiated a judicial reorganization procedure. Thereafter, Congress passed Law No. 18,931 to reorganize the operations of the airline, including by disposing of Pluna’s assets. In October 2012, through a trust created pursuant to Law No. 18,931, the government conducted an auction for the sale of seven of Pluna’s aircrafts. The auction was initially awarded to Cosmo S.A., a company organized under the laws of Spain, however, the transaction was not completed. In December 2013, the Supreme Court of Uruguay declared several provisions of Law No. 18,931 unconstitutional. As a result, the transfer of the Pluna aircraft to the trust was reversed and they remained property subject to liquidation by Pluna’s receiver until their sale in 2014 to Strategic Air Finance (SAF) for US$77 million. On December 9, 2016, the Juzgado Letrado de Concurso de Primer Turno (Insolvency Procedure Court) approved a distribution agreement among Pluna Airlines’ creditors. On December 6, 2017, Congress enacted legislation suppressing Pluna Ente Autónomo as of December 31, 2017, and transferring its remaining assets, liabilities and personnel to the Uruguayan government.

At this time, the government has no plans to privatize any public sector enterprises.

For a description of government participation in the Uruguayan economy see “The Economy—Role of the State in the Economy.”

Employment, Labor and Wages

Employment

The employment rate decreased from 57.9% in 2017 to 55.7% in 2021. Unemployment rose from 7.9% in 2017 to 9.4% in 2021.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding employment and labor in Uruguay as of the dates indicated.

 

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Employment and Labor

(% by population)

 

     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021  

Nationwide:

          

Participation rate(1) (2)

     62.9     62.4     62.2     60.5     61.4

Employment rate(3)

     57.9       57.2       56.7       54.3       55.7  

Unemployment rate(4)

     7.9       8.3       8.9       10.4       9.4  

Montevideo:

          

Participation rate(1) (2)

     65.2       64.5       64.5       62.8       63.1  

Employment rate(3)

     59.9       58.9       58.8       56.8       57.2  

Unemployment rate(4)

     8.2     8.7     8.8     9.5     9.4

 

(1) 

To be considered employed, a person above the minimum age requirement (14 years old) must have worked at least one hour with remuneration or fifteen hours without remuneration during the preceding week.

(2) 

Labor force as a percentage of the total population above the minimum age requirement.

(3) 

Employment as a percentage of the total population above the minimum age requirement.

(4) 

Unemployed population as a percentage of the labor force.

Sources: National Institute of Statistics and Banco Central.

The composition of employment by activities in Uruguay generally reflects the composition by activities of the GDP. Unionized labor in Uruguay is concentrated primarily in the public sector and the manufacturing, construction and financial services sectors of the economy.

The following table sets forth information regarding the percentage of the labor force by sector of the economy for the periods indicated.

Labor force (1)

(% by sector)

 

     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021(2)  

Agriculture, livestock, fishing and mining

     8.9     8.5     8.4     8.0     7.4

Manufacturing, electricity, gas and water, and construction services

     19.6       19.0       18.8       18.0       18.5  

Services

     71.5       72.4       72.8       73.9       73.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Data refers to total country population.

(2)

The sum of the components may differ from the totals due to rounding.

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

Strikes and other actions by unions occur on occasion, normally in the form of general, one-day strikes. In cases of strikes that threaten to have a material adverse effect on private or public sector functions, the government can declare that the labor functions which are the subject of the strike provide “essential services” to the country, thereby making the strike illegal. In various instances during the past ten years, the government has threatened to disband or disbanded strikes on the basis that the services provided were essential to the country. According to the “Indice de conflictividad laboral” (labor conflict index) published by Universidad Católica del Uruguay, in 2017, the labor conflict index evidenced a decrease in conflict compared to 2016, mainly due to improvements in wages and safer working conditions. In 2018, the labor conflict index was 12% higher than in 2017, registering an increase compared to the two previous years. Education was the sector with the greatest level of conflict, accounting for 59% of total conflicts. In a year of intense wage-negotiation, 52% of sectoral conflicts were due to wage claims. In 2020, the labor conflict index decreased, being the lowest since 2009, mainly due to the measures implemented by the government to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the postponement of the discussion of certain labor matters, the encouragement of a remote working system due to mobility restrictions and the suspension of some economic activities. In 2021, the labor conflict index was 20.6% higher than in 2020. However, it registered a historic below-average level when compared to the second year of each government administration. Construction was the sector with the greatest level of conflict, accounting for 42% of total conflicts.

In June 2019, the International Labor Organization’s (“ILO”) Conference Committee on the Application of Standards recommended that Uruguay revise its collective bargaining legislation, after receiving complaints from certain labor unions and business representatives alleging that the collective bargaining legislation affected their freedom of contract. In August 2019, following the recommendations of the ILO, the Republic submitted to the

 

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ILO’s Committee of Experts a report describing a series of measures adopted towards the full implementation of the ILO’s practices on collective bargaining and on the right to unionize. On October 31, 2019, in furtherance of the ILO’s request, the Executive Power submitted draft legislation to Congress (while it was in session), including amendments to the collective bargaining law. In 2020, the Consejo Superior Tripartito, a labor relations governance body and the Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (MTSS), proposed the formation of a new working group to address Uruguay’s commitments to ILO’s conventions and to draft a new bill addressing the legislation. In May 2021, the Executive Power submitted a new bill, which is currently being studied by the Chamber of Deputies.

Wages

The following table sets forth information relating to wages for the periods indicated.

Average Real Wages

(annual average % change from previous year)

 

     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021  

Average real wages

     2.9     0.2     1.3     (1.7 )%      (1.5 )% 

Public sector

     1.9       0.5       1.8       (0.7     (1.6

Private sector

     3.5     —         1.0     (2.3 )%      (1.4 )% 

 

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

Since 2005, increases in nominal wages have been discussed within the context of a collective bargaining mechanism involving the principal sectors of the economy (with government participation in the negotiations), and almost always providing for backward-indexation of wages. Under the collective bargaining rules, each private sector of the economy negotiates wage increases twice a year while the public sector does so once a year. In 2015, the government introduced new wage-setting guidelines for the private sector, to moderate the indexation of wages to past inflation and reduce inflation inertia. The government’s guidelines proposed a 3-year declining path of wage increases set in nominal terms, that varied by sector depending on growth performance. A second round of wage negotiations under the 2015 wage-setting scheme took place during 2018. In March 2018, the government introduced a revised set of guidelines, incorporating lower nominal wage increases (compared to 2015) in the context of reduced inflation. For the first year of the three-year cycle, the nominal wage adjustment proposed to unions and companies was 6.5% (low-growth sectors), 7.5% (medium-growth sectors) and 8.5% (dynamic sectors). For the second year, the nominal wage adjustment proposed was 6%, 7% and 8%, respectively, and for the third year, 5%, 6% and 7%, respectively.

On June 18, 2020, the government introduced a set of wage-setting guidelines for the eighth private sector wage negotiation round, as the terms of the seventh round expired on June 30, 2020. On July 7, 2020, the government and unions reached an agreement, pursuant to which (i) nominal wages were set to increase by 3% for the most affected sectors (i.e., those where the workforce fell by 10% from November 2019 to November 2020), (ii) a final corrective adjustment for inflation (discounted by Uruguay’s GDP decrease in 2020), and (iii) workers with nominal wages equal to or lower than Ps. 22,595 as of January 1, 2020 were set to receive an additional 1% increase in nominal wages, which will not be deducted from the final corrective adjustment.

On July 7 2021, the government introduced a set of wage-setting guidelines for the ninth private sector wage negotiation round, as the terms of the eighth round expired on June 30, 2021. These guidelines classified sectors into the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (such as tourism and entertainment) and the least affected. In the case of the former sectors, wages were set to increase by 3% in January 2022 and the agreement would be in force for one year. For the sectors that were least affected by the pandemic, the guidelines proposed a two-year agreement, with semi-annual increases linked to inflation projections and a wage recovery increase of 1.6% as of July 2023 (except for very small enterprises, which will have a real wage increase of 1%).

In 2017, real wages increased by 3.0% on average with an increase in public sector wages of 1.9% and an increase in private sector real wages of 3.5%. In 2018, real wages increased by 0.2% on average with an increase in public sector wages of 0.5% and no increase in private sector real wages. In 2019, real wages increased by 1.3% on average, with an increase in public sector real wages of 1.8% and an increase in private sector real wages of 1.0%. In 2020, real wages decreased by 1.7% on average, with a decrease in public sector real wages of 0.7% and a decrease in private sector real wages of 2.3%. In 2021, real wages decreased by 1.5% on average, with a decrease in public sector real wages of 1.6% and a decrease in private sector real wages of 1.4%.

 

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GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND STRUCTURE OF THE ECONOMY

On December 17, 2020, Banco Central conducted a periodic re-basing of its national account calculations (including GDP), updating the base year of such calculations from 2005 to 2016 (the “Adequacy Plan to International Standards”), which implied a GDP increase in nominal terms compared to prior measurements, mainly due to greater coverage in certain activities that incorporated new sources of information.

The following tables set forth information regarding GDP and expenditures for the periods indicated. The figures included in the table entitled “Nominal GDP by Expenditure” are based on current (nominal) prices for each year, whereas the percentage figures included in the table entitled “Change in GDP by Expenditure” are based on 2016 prices (in accordance with the Adequacy Plan to International Standards) to eliminate distortions introduced by changes in relative prices.

GDP and Expenditures

(millions of 2016 pesos, except as otherwise indicated)

 

     2017(1)     2018(1)     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

GDP

     Ps.1,754,508       Ps.1,762,893       Ps.1,769,071       Ps.1,660,778       Ps.1,733,304  

Imports of goods and services

     399,637       399,559       405,428       356,691       431,196  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total supply of goods and services

     2,154,145       2,162,452       2,174,499       2,017,469       2,164,500  

Exports of goods and services

     488,365       479,960       497,459       417,829       478,039  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total goods and services available for domestic expenditures

     Ps.1,665,780       Ps.1,682,492       Ps.1,677,041       Ps.1,599,640       Ps.1,686,461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allocation of total goods and services:

          

Consumption (public and private)

     1,374,957       1,405,576       1,414,476       1,315,858       1,361,205  

Gross investment (public and private)

     290,823       276,915       262,565       283,782       325,256  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total domestic expenditures

     Ps.1,665,780       Ps.1,682,492       Ps.1,677,041       Ps.1,599,640       Ps.1,686,461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

GDP growth (%)(2)

     1.6     0.5     0.4     (6.1 )%      4.4

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

% change from previous year, 2016 prices.

N.A. = Not Available.

Source: Banco Central.

Nominal GDP by Expenditure

(% of total nominal GDP)

 

     2017(1)     2018(1)     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

Private Consumption

     62.2     63.3     62.4     60.6     58.8

Government and NPISH consumption

     16.5       16.8       17.1       17.6       16.7  

Gross Fixed Investment

     16.3       15.0       15.4       16.7       18.8  

Exports of goods and services

     26.1       26.4       27.8       25.1       31.5  

Imports of goods and services

     20.7     21.4     21.9     20.7     25.3

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

Source: Banco Central.

Change in GDP by Expenditure

(% change from previous year, 2016 prices)

 

     2017(1)     2018(1)     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

Private Consumption

     3.6     2.1     0.5     (6.9 )%      2.3

Government and NPISH consumption

     1.3       2.6       1.1       (7.3     8.0  

Gross Fixed Investment

     0.4       (9.0     0.8       1.6       15.2  

Exports of goods and services

     4.9       (1.7     3.6       (16.0     14.4  

Imports of goods and services

     7.1     0       1.5     (12.0 )%      20.9

 

N.A. = Not Available.

(1) 

Preliminary data.

Source: Banco Central.

 

D-49


Principal Sectors of the Economy

The Uruguayan economy relies heavily on services, including the commerce, restaurants and hotels sector, which involves a wide range of tourism services, the financial services sector, the health, education, real estate and other business services sector and the public administration sector.

In 2021, GDP increased by 4.4% in real terms, after decreasing by 6.1% in 2020 and growing by 0.4% in 2019, 0.5% in 2018, and 1.6% in 2017, in each case with respect to the prior year. The increase in real GDP in 2021 was mainly attributable to a general growth in economic activities due to the loosening of restrictions to social mobility imposed in 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the reopening of borders towards the end of the year and the recovery of external demand, which had been negatively affected by the pandemic. In 2021, services accounted for approximately 70.0% of GDP, while the manufacturing and primary activities sectors together accounted for 17.8% of GDP.

The following tables set forth the components of Uruguay’s GDP and their respective growth rates for the periods indicated. The discussion of the various sectors follows the order in which the sectors are presented in the tables. The percentages and figures included in the table entitled “Nominal GDP by Sector” are based on current (nominal) prices for each period, whereas the percentage figures included in the table entitled “Change in GDP by Sector” are based on 2016 prices to eliminate distortions introduced by changes in relative prices.

Nominal GDP by Sector

(in millions of US$ and % of GDP, nominal prices)

 

     2017(1)     2018(1)     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

Primary activities(2)

   US$ 3,606        5.6   US$ 3,930        6.1   US$ 4,106        6.7   US$ 4,044        7.6   US$ 4,241        7.1

Manufacturing

     6,481        10.1       6,991        10.8       6,387        10.4       5,514        10.3       6,318        10.7  

Electricity, gas and water

     1,902        3.0       1,790        2.8       1,576        2.6       1,394        2.6       1,770        3.0  

Construction

     2,914        4.5       2,798        4.3       2,802        4.6       2,637        4.9       2,960        5.0  

Commerce, restaurants and hotels

     8,548        13.3       7,907        12.3       7,471        12.2       6,448        12.0       8,229        13.9  

Transportation, storage, information and communications

     5,756        9.0       5,573        8.6       5,550        9.1       4,366        8.2       4,779        8.1  

Financial Services

     3,281        5.1       3,290        5.1       2,993        4.9       2,498        4.7       2,669        4.5  

Professional activities and leasing

     4,708        7.3       4,671        7.2       4,526        7.4       3,888        7.3       4,310        7.3  

Public administration
activities

     3,119        4.9       3,151        4.9       3,028        4.9       2,746        5.1       2,797        4.7  

Health, education, real estate and other services

     16,670        25.9       16,950        26.3       15,747        25.7       13,814        25.8       14,022        23.6  

GDP (in millions of US$ at nominal prices)

   US$ 64,284        100.0   US$ 64,487        100.0   US$ 61,182        100.0   US$ 53,559        100.0   US$ 59,319        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nominal GDP per capita(3)

   US$ 18,403        US$ 18,393        US$ 17,388        US$ 15,168        US$ 16,743     

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Data includes agriculture, livestock, fishing and mining.

(3) 

Figures refer to nominal GDP and are not adjusted by purchasing power.

Source: Banco Central.

 

D-50


Change in GDP by Sector

(% change from previous year, 2016 prices)

 

     2017(1)     2018(1)     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

Primary activities(2)

     (8.2     4.5       (0.3     (5.4     5.0  

Manufacturing

     (4.2     5.8       (3.7     (6.1     6.7  

Electricity, gas and water

     (3.7     3.9       13.2       (9.4     3.5  

Construction

     (8.6     (4.4     5.2       2.1       6.0  

Commerce, restaurants and hotels

     6.6       (6.5     0.6       (7.5     7.0  

Transportation, storage, information and communications

     11.1       (1.0     3.5       (7.8     4.1  

Financial Services

     3.1       0.3       1.2       (0.4     5.0  

Professional activities and leasing

     5.6       0.9       (0.2     (5.9     5.2  

Public administration activities

     (1.0     0.8       1.2       (0.8      

Health, education, real estate and other services

     2.2       1.8       (1.2     (8.9     1.9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total GDP

     1.6       0.5       0.4       (6.1     4.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

Data includes agriculture, livestock, fishing and mining.

N.A. = Not Available.

Source: Banco Central.

Primary Activities

The primary activities sector includes agriculture, livestock, fishing and mining. Uruguay’s territory consists primarily of vast plains, which, combined with its temperate climate, make the country well suited for agriculture and livestock. The mining sector mainly consists of stone and sand quarries. These products are used primarily in construction.

In 2017, the sector contracted by 8.2% mainly due to a decrease in soybean production, as described below. In 2018, the sector grew by 4.5%, particularly due to growth in the livestock sector. In 2019, the sector contracted by 0.3%, as a result of a decrease in livestock and forestry production, which was partially offset by an increase in the production of cereals and oil. In 2020, primary activities contracted by 5.4% compared to 2019, mainly due to a decrease in soybean production, which was partially offset by a favorable performance of winter crops, a greater demand for wood and an increase in milk collection. In 2021, the sector grew by 5.0%, as a result of an increase in livestock, forestry and cereals and oil production, which was partially offset by a reduction in fishery production.

The following table sets forth the production of selected primary goods for the periods indicated.

Selected Primary Goods Production

 

     2017      2018(1)      2019(1)      2020(1)      2021(1)  

Cattle (in thousands of heads slaughtered)

     2,346        2,355        2,251        2,019        2,655  

Milk (in millions of liters)

     1,924        2,063        1,970        2,078        2,119  

Wool (in tons)

     24,568        25,761        25,723        23,687        23,687  

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

Source: Banco Central.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing accounted for 10.7% of nominal GDP in 2021. In 2017, the manufacturing sector decreased by 4.2% in real terms compared to 2016, mainly due to a scheduled maintenance shutdown of the ANCAP refinery between February and October 2017. In 2018, the manufacturing sector grew by 5.8% in real terms compared to 2017, mainly due to the reopening of the ANCAP refinery. In 2019, the manufacturing sector contracted by 3.7%, in real terms compared to 2018, due to a decrease in activity in most industries, except for paper pulp production, beverages and tobacco industries. In 2020, the manufacturing sector contracted by 6.1% compared to 2019, mainly due to a decrease in oil-refining, meat-packing and textile activities, which was partially offset by an increase in the production of pulp-mills and the manufacture of cleaning and toilet products. In 2021, most of the economic activities in the manufacturing sector presented a recovery compared to the contraction in 2020, resulting in a 6.7% increase in such sector. This recovery was more pronounced in highly export-oriented activities, as a result of the increase in external demand with respect to the previous year.

 

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Electricity, Gas and Water

Energy consumption in Uruguay consists of oil and gas, electricity and wood. Electricity is produced primarily from hydroelectric sources and wind-power and is provided by Usinas y Transmisiones Eléctricas or UTE, a state-owned entity. Electricity can be imported freely and Uruguay has imported electricity from Argentina and Brazil. In March 2009, Uruguay and Brazil agreed to build an electrical transmission line between San Carlos (Uruguay) and Candiota (Brazil), with an intermediate frequency converter in Cerro Largo (Uruguay), with financing provided by the Structural Funds of the Mercosur, the CAF and the National Treasury of Brazil. The building of the line, with a transmission capacity of 500MW, was completed in 2016 and Uruguay made its first exports of electricity to Brazil in May 2017. Uruguay also exports electricity to Argentina. In 2021, Uruguay’s electricity exports to Brazil and Argentina accounted for U.S.$489 million and U.S.$105 million, respectively, compared to U.S.$50 million and U.S.$31 million, respectively, in 2020. Fossil fuels were the source of this electricity.

Uruguay imports all of its oil and gas supplies from various international sources and has a state-owned oil refining company, ANCAP. Uruguay’s economy is therefore exposed to fluctuations in international oil prices. With a view to reducing oil imports, ANCAP invested in biodiesel plants that became operative in 2009. To increase its fuel transportation capacity, ANCAP has also invested in vessels. ANCAP also awarded private sector enterprises with hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation contracts in on-shore and off-shore Uruguayan areas. Natural gas can be imported freely, and its distribution and transportation have been opened to private investment. See “The Economy—Role of the State in the Economy.”

The electricity, gas and water sector’s performance has varied over the past five years, mainly as a result of the electricity sector’s performance, which in turn depends on the type of electricity generated. In 2017, the electricity, gas and water sector contracted by 3.7% in real terms, mainly due to a decrease in the generation of hydroelectric energy by the end of the year. In 2018 and 2019, the electricity, gas and water sector grew by 3.9% and 13.2% in real terms, respectively, driven primarily by the generation of electricity using renewable sources, primarily hydroelectric. In 2020, the electricity, gas and water sector contracted by 9.4% compared to 2019, mainly due to a lower generation of hydro energy. In 2021, the electricity, gas and water sector grew by 3.5% compared to 2020, mainly due to an increase in the generation of both gas oil/fuel oil and hydroelectric energy to supply the increase in external demand. In 2021, 31% of total electricity generation derived from wind energy, 33% from hydroelectric energy, 18% from biomass waste, 3% from solar energy and 15% from gas oil, fuel oil and natural gas.

Construction

In 2017, the construction sector contracted by 8.6% in real terms, mainly due to a decrease in the level of public and private sector investments. In 2018, the construction sector contracted by 4.4% in real terms, mainly due to a decrease in private sector construction, the completion of infrastructure projects related to wind energy and a decrease in roadworks. In 2019, the construction sector grew by 5.2% in real terms. In 2020, the construction sector grew by 2.1% in real terms, mainly due to work related to the construction of a new railway line connecting the center of the country with the port of Montevideo, and a new paper pulp mill by UPM, which was partially offset by a decrease in the construction of buildings and other public works. In 2021, the construction sector grew by 6.0% in real terms, mainly due to work related to the construction of the above-mentioned railway and paper pulp mill. See “The Economy—Role of the State in the Economy—Large-scale Foreign Direct Investments and Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development.”

Commerce, Restaurants and Hotels

In 2017, the commerce, restaurants and hotels sector grew by 6.6% in real terms, and accounted for 13.3% of GDP. In 2018, the commerce, restaurants and hotels sector decreased by 6.5% in real terms, mainly due to the decrease in sales of motor vehicles and the deceleration in domestic sales, and accounted for 12.3% of GDP. In 2019, the commerce, restaurants and hotels sector increased by 0.6% in real terms and accounted for 12.2% of GDP. In 2020, the commerce, restaurants and hotel sectors contracted by 7.5% in real terms, mainly driven a significant

 

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decrease in inbound tourism due to the closure of borders as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, and accounted for 12.0% of GDP. In 2021, the commerce, restaurants and hotel sectors grew by 7.0% in real terms, mainly driven by an increase in social mobility and, towards the end of the year, an increase in tourism due to the reopening of borders, and accounted for 13.9% of GDP.

Transportation, Storage, Information and Communications

In 2017, the transportation, storage, information and communications sector grew by 11.1%, while in 2018 it decreased by 1.0% in real terms. In 2019, the transportation, storage, information and communications sector grew by 3.5% in real terms, mainly due to an increase in the use of mobile data services. In 2020, the transportation, storage, information and communications sector contracted by 7.8%, mainly due to a decrease in passenger transport services as a result of mobility restrictions imposed by the government to address the COVID-19 outbreak. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in the use of data services. In 2021, the transportation, storage, information and communications sector grew by 4.1%, mainly due to a recovery in transport services as a result of the increase in social mobility.

Financial Services

The financial services sector grew by 3.1% in 2017, mainly due to an increase in insurance services. In 2018, the financial sector grew by 0.3%, mainly driven by an increase of insurance services and financial intermediation services. In 2019, the financial sector grew by 1.2%, mainly due to an increase in insurance services, which was partially offset by a contraction in the rest of the sector. In 2020, the financial services sector contracted by 0.4% in real terms, mainly due to the decrease in all financial services other insurance services, pension fund services and financial intermediation. In 2021, the financial services sector grew by 5.0% in real terms. This growth was mainly driven by an increase in financial services other than insurance and pensions.

Uruguay established a strong reputation as a regional financial center in the early 1980s, primarily due to its free foreign exchange and capital markets, which were liberalized in 1974, its banking and tax reporting secrecy legislation, and its low tax rates. During periods of economic turmoil in the region, such as 1995, 1998 and 2001, Uruguay’s financial sector saw deposits from foreign sources increase as depositors sought a safer haven for their savings.

Beginning in 2002, Uruguay’s financial sector was significantly affected by Argentina’s crisis. Large withdrawals of deposits during 2002 significantly exceeded the liquidity of four private banks (including the two largest private banks which were branches of Argentine based banks), which ceased to operate and entered a liquidation stage. Through multilateral financial support from the IMF, the World Bank and the IDB, the government was able to provide the necessary liquidity to government-owned banks and to the three largest private banks to honor sight deposits existing as of July 30, 2002, thereby mitigating to some extent the impact of the crisis of the banking sector on the economy as a whole. For information on measures adopted by the government to strengthen the banking systems following the 2002 crisis see “The Banking Sector—Uruguay’s Banking System Following the 2002 Crisis.”

The financial and insurance services sector’s contribution to GDP grew at a slower pace after 2002 compared to other sectors of the economy. However, since 2008, the financial and insurance services sector’s contribution to GDP has improved.

In 2021, the financial services sector accounted for approximately 4.5% of nominal GDP.

Health, education, real estate and other services

In 2021, the health, education, real estate and other services sector grew by 1.9% in real terms, mainly due to the loosening of restrictions on social mobility and the rise in education services due to the return to in-person school attendance. In 2021, the health, education, real estate and other services sector represented 23.6% of GDP.

 

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FOREIGN MERCHANDISE TRADE

Uruguay’s merchandise exports primarily comprise commodities (farm products, such as meat and grains, and paper pulp).

In 2017, merchandise exports increased by 9.2% (measured in U.S. dollars) compared to 2016, mainly as a result of an increase in exports of agricultural products. In 2018, merchandise exports decreased by 0.7% (measured in U.S dollars), mainly as a result of a decrease in exports of agricultural products driven primarily by a severe drought that affected the 2017/2018 harvest season. In 2019, merchandise exports increased by 1.3% (measured in U.S dollars), mainly as a result of an increase in exports of agricultural products. In 2020, merchandise exports decreased by 12.8% (measured in U.S dollars), mainly as a result of a decrease in exports of processed meats and paper pulp. In 2021, merchandise exports increased by 42.0% (measured in U.S. dollars), mainly as a result of an increase in exports of processed meats, paper pulp and agricultural products.

In 2017, merchandise imports increased by 3.9% (measured in U.S. dollars) compared to 2016, mainly as a result of an increase in imports of consumer and intermediate goods. In 2018, merchandise imports increased by 5.1% (measured in U.S. dollars), mainly of capital and intermediate goods. In 2019, merchandise imports decreased by 7.3% (measured in U.S. dollars), mainly as a result of a decrease in imports of intermediate, consumer and capital goods. In 2020, merchandise imports decreased by 8.3% (measured in U.S. dollars), mainly as a result of a decrease in imports of intermediate and consumer goods. In 2021, merchandise imports increased by 36.4% (measured in U.S. dollars), mainly as a result of an increase in imports of intermediate, consumer and capital goods.

A significant portion of Uruguay’s merchandise trade has involved its neighbors and principal trading partners, Argentina and Brazil. With the initial consolidation of the Mercosur in the 1990s, Brazil and Argentina became Uruguay’s principal trading partners. By 1998, those two countries together accounted for more than 50% of Uruguay’s exports. This regional concentration has subjected Uruguay’s economy to the volatility that has characterized the economies of Uruguay’s neighbors. To mitigate the adverse impact on Uruguay’s foreign trade resulting from imbalances that develop within Mercosur, the government has actively promoted Uruguayan exports in markets outside Mercosur within the framework of regional as well as bilateral agreements. See “República Oriental del Uruguay—Foreign Policy and Membership in International and Regional Organizations.” The increased competitiveness of Uruguayan exports in the global economy since 2002 resulted in exports to the region becoming less significant as a percentage of Uruguay’s total exports.

Exports to Argentina and Brazil accounted for 19.1% in 2017, 17.1% in 2018, 15.7% in 2019, 16.9% in 2020 and 19.5% in 2021. Even more significantly, Argentina and Brazil accounted for 32.0% of total imports in 2017, 30.8% in 2018, 31.9% in 2019, 34.1% in 2020 and 32.7% in 2021. In 2017, exports to Brazil included milk and dairy products, plastics and cereals, and exports to Argentina included wire, motor vehicles and parts, and chemicals. In 2018, exports to Brazil included milk and dairy products, plastics and cereals, exports to Argentina included wire, motor vehicles and parts, and chemicals. In 2019, exports to Brazil included plastics, milk and motor vehicles and parts, while, exports to Argentina included wire, chemicals and electrical supplies. Although Uruguay’s dependence on regional trade has lessened, a continued slowdown in Argentina and Brazil could continue to significantly weigh on Uruguay’s economy. Despite significant international reserves and a robust debt profile, Uruguay’s fiscal imbalances and other economic rigidities may hamper the economy’s ability to absorb regional and other external shocks. In 2020, exports to Brazil included milk and dairy products, plastics and cereals, and exports to Argentina included chemicals, wire and electrical supplies. In 2021, exports to Brazil included milk and dairy products, plastics and cereals, and exports to Argentina included chemicals, wire and electrical supplies.

Exports to China accounted for 16.3% in 2017, 16.6% in 2018, 20.8% in 2019, 17.4% in 2020 and 22.9% in 2021. On balance, trade between Uruguay and China has historically favored China. However, this trend eased in 2019 and 2020. In 2021, trade between Uruguay and China favored China by US$598 million. In recent years, exports to China included live cattle, meat by-products, wood, dairy products, sheep and wool and barley.

The United States is another of Uruguay’s major trading partners. The United States has attracted an increasing percentage of Uruguay’s total merchandise exports in recent years. In 2017, the weight of exports to the United States decreased to 5.0% of total exports whereas imports accounted for 10.9% of total imports. In 2018, the weight of exports to the United States remains at 5.0% of total exports whereas imports from the United States

 

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accounted for 7.9% of total imports. In 2019, the weight of exports to the United States decreased to 4.9% whereas imports from the United States accounted for 9.2% of total imports. In 2020, the weight of exports to the United States increased to 6.5% whereas imports accounted for 11.4% of total imports. In 2021, the weight of exports to the United States decreased to 4.8% whereas imports accounted for 9.0% of total imports.

Merchandise exports have historically been concentrated on agriculturally based traditional and manufactured products, such as wool, meat, rice, textiles and more recently, paper pulp. Uruguay was first declared free of foot and mouth disease in 1995. This measure granted Uruguay access to broader markets and allowed it to obtain higher prices for its beef. Uruguay’s traditional export markets include Brazil, Chile, Israel and the European Union. Since 2008, paper pulp accounts for a significant portion of Uruguay’s exports. The government has promoted pulp mills to increase and diversify exports, increase productivity and long-term prospects for Uruguay’s economy. See “Balance of Payments—Foreign Investment.”

In 2017, merchandise exports totaled US$9.1 billion, representing a 9.6% increase compared to 2016, primarily due to an increase in certain traditional exports (processed meats and paper pulp). Exports of paper pulp accounted for 14.7% of Uruguay’s total exports in 2017. In 2018, merchandise exports totaled US$9.0 billion, representing a 0.7% decrease compared to 2017, primarily due to a decrease in agricultural product exports. Exports of paper pulp accounted for 18.6% of Uruguay’s total exports in 2018. In 2019, merchandise exports totaled US$9.1 billion, representing a 1.3% increase compared to 2018, mainly as a result of an increase in agricultural products, processed meats and plastics products. In 2020, merchandise exports totaled US$8.0 billion, representing a 12.8% decrease compared to 2019, mainly as a result of a decrease in processed meats and paper pulp. Exports of paper pulp accounted for 13.8% of Uruguay´s total exports in 2020. In 2021, merchandise exports totaled US$11.3 billion, representing a 42% increase compared to 2020, mainly as a result of an increase in processed meats, paper pulp and agricultural products. Exports of paper pulp accounted for 13.8% of Uruguay´s total exports in 2021.

In 2017, exports of agricultural products, processed meats, dairy products, wheat and rice, textiles, paper pulp, plastic products, motor vehicles parts and others increased by 23.4%, 6.7%, 4.7%, 14.3%, 7.1%, 3.6%, 17.2%, 53.0% and 24.2% respectively, each as compared to 2016, while exports of leather goods, chemicals, oil and refined products and other foodstuffs decreased by 13.7%, 2.0%, 49.7% and 7.1% respectively, each as compared to 2016.

In 2018, exports of processed meats, dairy products, textiles, paper pulp, chemicals, oil and refined products, plastic products, motor vehicles and parts and others increased by 8.6%, 14.0%, 10.8%, 25.1%, 3.6%, 32.2%, 23.0%, 43.5% and 4.7% respectively, each as compared to 2017, while exports of wheat and rice, other foodstuffs and leather goods decreased by 14.8%, 2.4% and 9.1% respectively, each as compared to 2017. In 2018, agricultural products decreased by 52.6% when compared to 2017, mainly as a result of a severe drought that affected the 2017/2018 harvest season.

In 2019, exports of agricultural products, processed meats, other foodstuffs and plastic products increased by 90.1%, 8.6%, 7.7% and 8.0% respectively, each as compared to 2018, while exports of dairy products, wheat and rice mills, textiles, leather goods, paper pulp, chemicals oil and refined products, motor vehicles and parts and other decreased by 3.5%, 16.7%, 18.2%, 31.7%, 9.3%, 10.6%, 81.4%, 9.3% and 18.1% respectively, each as compared to 2018.

In 2020, exports of wheat and rice mills and chemicals increased by 30.2% and 1.9%, respectively, each as compared to 2019, while exports of agricultural products, processed meats, leather goods, paper pulp and motor vehicles decreased by 18.3%, 11.2%, 47%, 25.3% and 29.6%. During the second half of 2020, prices of certain of Uruguay’s goods exports reflected an upward trend. In particular, the price of soybeans reached a six-year maximum (increasing from 346 US$/ton as of December 31, 2019 to 520 US$/ton as of March 31, 2021), supported by higher demand from China and adverse weather conditions in several large producing countries.

In 2021, exports of wheat and rice mills decreased by 18.5%, compared to 2020, while exports of agricultural products, processed meats, leather goods, paper pulp and motor vehicles increased by 28.2%, 57.4%, 61.4%, 42.5% and 72.1% respectively, each as compared to 2020.

 

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In 2017, total imports increased by 3.9% compared to 2016, of which 33.6% represented consumer goods, 53.1% intermediate goods and 13.3% capital goods. In 2018, total imports increased by 5.1% compared to 2017, of which 31.5% represented consumer goods, 55.4% intermediate goods and 13.0% capital goods. In 2019, total imports decreased by 7.3% compared to 2018, of which 32.6% represented consumer goods, 53.8% intermediate goods and 13.6% capital goods. In 2020, total imports decreased by 8.3% compared to 2019, of which 32.4% represented consumer goods, 52.9% intermediate goods and 14.6% capital goods. In 2021, total imports increased by 36.4% compared to 2020, of which 28.8% represented consumer goods, 56.1% intermediate goods and 15.1% capital goods.

The following tables set forth information on exports and imports for the periods indicated.

Merchandise Trade

(in millions of US$ and % of total exports/imports)

 

     2017     2018     2019     2020(1)     2021(1)  

EXPORTS (FOB)

                         

Agricultural products

   US$ 1,408        15.5   US$ 669        7.4   US$ 1,273        13.9   US$ 1,040        13.0   US$ 1,333        11.7

Processed meats

     1,868        20.5       2,028        22.4       2,200        24.0       1,953        24.4       3,074        27.1  

Dairy products

     591        6.5       673        7.4       650        7.1       640        8.0       734        6.5  

Wheat and rice mills

     452        5.0       386        4.3       321        3.5       418        5.2       341        3.0  

Other foodstuffs

     657        7.2       641        7.1       691        7.5       686        8.6       857        7.5  

Textiles

     175        1.9       194        2.1       158        1.7       76        0.9       127        1.1  

Leather goods

     238        2.6       216        2.4       148        1.6       78        1.0       126        1.1  

Paper pulp

     1,342        14.7       1,680        18.6       1,467        16.0       1,096        13.7       1,563        13.8  

Chemicals

     454        5.0       470        5.2       421        4.6       429        5.4       535        4.7  

Oil and refined products

     17        0.2       22        0.2       4        —         6        0.1       12        0.1  

Plastic products

     136        1.5       168        1.9       181        2.0       163        2.0       185        1.6  

Motor vehicles and parts

     123        1.3       176        1.9       160        1.7       113        1.4       194        1.7  

Other

     1,649        18.1       1,726        19.1       1,496        16.3       1,298        16.2       2,272        20.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total exports

   US$ 9,110        100.0   US$ 9,050        100.0   US$ 9,170        100.0   US$ 7,995        100.0   US$ 11,353        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

IMPORTS (CIF)

                         

Consumer goods

   US$ 2,844        33.6   US$ 2,804        31.5   US$ 2,685        32.6   US$ 2,452        32.4   US$ 2,968        28.8

Intermediate goods

     4,489        53.1       4,930        55.4       4,439        53.8       4,005        52.9       5,793        56.1  

Capital goods

     1,125        13.3       1,159        13.0       1,122        13.6       1,107        14.6       1,559        15.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total imports

   US$ 8,458        100.0   US$ 8,893        100.0   US$ 8,246        100.0   US$ 7,564        100.0   US$ 10,320        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Merchandise trade balance

   US$ 652        US$ 157        US$ 924        US$ 431        US$ 1,033     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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Geographical Distribution of Merchandise Trade

(in millions of US$ and % of total exports/imports)

 

     2017     2018     2019     2020(1)     2021(1)  

EXPORTS (FOB)

                         

Americas:

                         

Argentina

   US$ 437        4.8   US$ 410        4.5   US$ 363        4.0   US$ 300        3.3   US$ 468        5.1

Brazil

     1,300        14.3       1,136        12.6       1,076        11.7       1,054        11.5       1,741        19.0  

United States

     455        5.0       454        5.0       447        4.9       518        5.6       542        5.9  

Other

     826        9.1       854        9.4       767        8.4       803        8.8       815        8.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Americas

     3,018        33.1       2,854        31.5       2,653        28.9       2,675        29.2       3,566        38.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Europe:

                         

European Union:

                         

France

     34        0.4       40        0.4       34        0.4       33        0.4       49        0.6  

Germany

     200        2.2       164        1.8       118        1.3       81        1.0       87        1.1  

Italy

     86        0.9       81        0.9       59        0.6       75        0.9       98        1.2  

United Kingdom

     47        0.5       56        0.6       44        0.5       40        0.5       72        0.9  

Other EU

     499        5.5       495        5.5       468        5.1       347        4.3       489        6.1  

Total EU

     866        9.5       835        9.2       723        7.9       575        7.2       795        10.0  

EFTA(2) and other

     427        4.7       498        5.5       329        3.6       297        3.7       301        3.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Europe

     1,293        14.2       1,333        14.7       1,052        11.5       872        10.9       1,096        13.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Africa

     274        3.0       329        3.6       325        3.5       329        4.1       295        3.7  

Asia

     1,721        18.9       1,740        19.2       2,182        23.8       1,651        20.7       2,998        37.5  

China

     1,488        16.3       1,499        16.6       1,912        20.8       1,390        17.4       2,595        32.5  

Middle East

     284        3.1       280        3.1       126        1.4       188        2.4       371        4.6  

Free Trade Zone(3)

     1,221        13.4       1,548        17.1       1,475        16.1       1,098        13.7       1,921        24.0  

Other

     1,299        14.3       967        10.7       1,357        14.8       1,182        14.8       1,107        13.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 9,110        100.0   US$ 9,050        100.0   US$ 9,170        100.0   US$ 7,995        100.0   US$ 11,353        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

IMPORTS (CIF)

                         

Americas:

                         

Argentina

   US$ 1,064        12.6   US$ 1,102        12.4   US$ 974        11.8   US$ 985        13.0   US$ 1,310        12.7

Brazil

     1,646        19.5       1,641        18.4       1,655        20.1       1,594        21,1       2,060        20.0  

United States

     921        10.9       705        7.9       762        9.2       863        11.4       927        9.0  

Other

     660        7.8       795        8.9       681        8.3       557        7.4       629        6.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Americas

     4,291        50.7       4,244        47.7       4,072        49.4       3,998        52.8       4,926        47.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Europe:

                         

European Union:

                         

France

     107        1.3       153        1.7       130        1.6       129        1.7       192        1.9  

Germany

     205        2.4       226        2.5       211        2.6       212        2.8       270        2.6  

Italy

     140        1.7       158        1.8       134        1.6       135        1.8       174        1.7  

United Kingdom

     90        1.1       62        0.7       60        0.7       58        0.8       79        0.8  

Other EU

     767        9.1       519        5.8       448        5.4       498        6.6       651        6.3  

Total EU

     1,309        15.5       1,118        12.6       983        11.9       1,033        13.7       1,366        13.2  

EFTA(2) and other

     146        1.7       250        2.8       148        1.8       163        2.2       266        2.6  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Europe

     1,454        17.2       1,368        15.4       1,131        13.7       1,196        15.8       1,632        15.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Africa

     242        2.9       780        8.8       751        9.1       341        4.5       837        8.1  

Asia.

     2,329        27.5       2,369        26.6       2,184        26.5       1,938        25.6       2,725        26.4  

China

     1,694        20.0       1,678        18.9       1,612        19.5       1,440        19.0       1,997        19.4  

Middle East

     111        1.3       105        1.2       79        1.0       66        0.9       167        1.6  

Other

     31        0.4       28        0.3       29        0.4       26        0.3       33        0.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 8,458        100.0   US$ 8,893        100.0   US$ 8,246        100.0   US$ 7,564        100.0   US$ 10,320        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

European Free Trade Association.

(3)

Reflects exports from the free trade zones that are pending assignment of a final destination.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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FOREIGN TRADE ON SERVICES

Uruguay’s services trade has traditionally been heavily concentrated on Argentina and Brazil and has been driven principally by tourism, transportation and financial services and, since 2007, transactions made from free economic zones.

In 2016, gross tourism receipts increased by 3.3% and the number of tourist arrivals increased by 12.3%, mainly driven by an increase in tourists arriving from Argentina. In 2017, gross tourism receipts increased by 27.9% and the number of tourist arrivals increased by 18.4%, mainly driven by an increase in tourists arriving from Argentina. In 2018, gross tourism receipts decreased by 7.7% and the number of tourist arrivals decreased by 5.8%, mainly driven by a decrease in tourists arriving from Argentina. During 2019, gross tourism receipts decreased by 18.6% and the number of tourist arrivals decreased by 13.2%, mainly driven by a decrease in visitors from Argentina. In the three month period ending March 31, 2020, gross tourism receipts decreased by 13.0% and the number of tourist arrivals decreased by 8.3%.

In recent years, certain key sectors, such as trading, shared services, regional distribution centers, regional headquarters or software activities, have taken advantage of Uruguay’s business development benefits, reflecting a growth in exports of global services from Uruguay. Companies from these sectors vary significantly in terms of size, employment and turnover, as well as business models.

Revenues from Tourism

 

     Number of
Tourist Arrivals

(in thousands)
     Gross Tourism
Receipts

(in millions of US$)
 

2016

     3,328        1,824  

2017

     3,941        2,334  

2018

     3,712        2,155  

2019

     3,221        1,754  

January – March 2020(1)

     1,000        675  

November – December 2021(1)

     233.5        179.4  

 

(1) 

Between March 2020 and November 2021, given the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the closure of national borders, the Ministry of Tourism suspended the survey that it regularly conducts in all border posts, impeding the preparation of its quarterly reports commencing in the second quarter of 2020.

Source: Banco Central.

The following table sets forth the percentage of tourist arrivals from Argentina, Brazil and other countries for the periods indicated.

Tourist Arrivals

(% by country)

 

     2017     2018     2019     January –
March, 2020(1)
    November –
December, 2021(1)
 

Argentina

     67.4     62.5     54.2     63     52.7

Brazil

     12.8       12.6       15.2       12.6       25.0  

Other

     19.8       24.4       30.6       37.0       22.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Between March 2020 and November 2021, given the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the closure of national borders, the Ministry of Tourism suspended the survey that it regularly conducts in all border posts, impeding the preparation of its quarterly reports commencing in the second quarter of 2020.

Sources: Banco Central and the Ministry of Tourism.

Until the 2002 banking crisis, financial and insurance services, primarily banking and corporate services, contributed to the growth in services exports. Deposits by non-residents with the financial sector totaled approximately US$6.6 billion at December 31, 2001. In 2002, deposits by non-residents with the financial sector decreased significantly to less than US$2.3 billion at December 31, 2002, including approximately US$1.2 billion held with BGU, Banco de Crédito, Banco Montevideo and Banco Comercial, all of which had their operations

 

D-58


suspended and have since been liquidated or, in the case of BGU, closed. Following the banking crisis in 2002, deposits by non-residents recovered, reaching US$3.3 billion as of December 2021, representing 12.2% of total foreign currency deposits held by the non-financial private sector with the Uruguayan banking system.

In 2012, the tax authorities of Uruguay and Argentina entered into a cooperation agreement to facilitate sharing of tax information. Uruguay’s Congress ratified this agreement in January 2013. Similar agreements were concluded with Iceland, Denmark, Greenland, Norway, Canada, Australia, Faroe Islands, Sweden, The Netherlands, Chile, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Guernsey and South Africa in the succeeding years. Moreover, in 2016, Uruguay entered into the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters of the Organization for the Cooperation and Economic Development (“OCDE”), an agreement designed to promote international co-operation between state parties for a better operation of national tax laws.

In addition, Uruguay has entered into double taxation agreements, including with regards to the exchange of tax information, with Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Portugal, Ecuador, Malt, South Korea, Finland, India, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Singapore, Belgium, Chile, Paraguay, Italy and Japan.

 

D-59


BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

On December 30, 2020, following the re-basing of Banco Central’s national account calculations, Banco Central released a new version of balance of payments and international investment position data, with revised information going back to 2012. The data presented in this section conforms to the principles outlined in the sixth edition of the International Monetary Fund’s Balance of Payments Manual (“BPM6”) and is line with the updated national accounts calculations. See “The Economy—2020-2021: Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic”.

An important source of compositional changes in the balance of payments data occurs through new coverage of intermediation activities by so-called “merchanting” firms in the new surveys. Resident merchanting firms purchase goods (mostly commodities) from non-residents and subsequently resell them to non-residents, without the goods entering the economic territory of Uruguay. These international trade intermediation activities were not accounted for under the previous methodology.

Balance of Payments(1)

(in millions of US$)

 

     2017     2018(2)     2019(2)     2020(2)     2021(2)  

Current Account

          

Merchandise trade balance

   US$ 1,956.6     US$ 2,290.7     US$ 3,075.5     US$ 2,075.9     US$ 3,963.0  

Exports

     11,121.7       11,611.9       11,746.2       9,924.2       15,095.8  

Imports

     9,165.1       9,321.3       8,670.8       7,848.3       11,132.8  

Services, net

     1,521.5       977.7       675.2       307.1       (152.6

Primary Income

     (3,556.8     (3,633.4     (2,958.9     (2,905.8     (5,014.9

Secondary Income(3)

     86.2       98.6       188.6       73.4       112.40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current account

   US$ 7.5     US$ (266.4   US$ 980.4     US$ (449.3   US$ (1,092.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Account

   US$ 19.6     US$ 45.7     US$ (375.3   US$ 53.9     US$ 0.8  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financial Account(4)

          

Direct Investment

     2,037.3       708.4       (1,397.3     (974.4     (1,335.1

Portfolio Investment(5)

     (2,170.5     (1,285.6     1,176.5       1,409.8       858.5  

Financial Derivatives

     (223.7     (21.4     7.6       65.5       (358.4

Other investment

     (1,176.7     660.6       1,630.2       (1,625.5     (1,059.9

Variation in Banco Central reserve assets(6)

     2,448.7       (408.1     (1,110.6     1,629.8       828.7  

of which:

          

Gold(7)

     —         —         —         —         —    

Special Drawing Rights (“SDRs”)

     0.2       (0.2     (0.4     0.5       583.4  

IMF Position

     (44.3     19.4       13.8       24.5       18.4  

Foreign Exchange

     1,241.2       (810.6     814.5       1,023.8       101.9  

Other holdings

     1,251.6       383.2       (1,938.4     2,629.6       125.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total financial account

     915.2     US$ (346.1   US$ 306.3     US$ 505.3     US$ (1,066.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Errors and Omissions(8)

   US$ 888.1     US$ (125.3   US$ (298.7   US$ 900.7     US$ 25.2  

 

(1) 

Calculated in accordance with the methodology set forth in the IMF Balance of Payments Manual (Sixth Edition).

(2) 

Preliminary data.

(3) 

Current transfers consist of transactions without a quid pro quo, including gifts.

(4) 

A positive (negative) value means that net acquisition of financial assets abroad by residents was higher (lower) than net incurrence of financial liabilities with non-residents, implying net capital outflows (inflows).

(5) 

Includes public bonds, commercial paper, notes and commercial banks’ foreign portfolio investment.

(6) 

Change in Banco Central international reserve assets only records variations due to transactions (and not variations due to revaluations or other variations such as accounting write-offs and cancellations, among others).

(7) 

As presented in this chart, gold reserves have been valued at their corresponding market prices as of December 31 of each year.

(8) 

Constitutes a residual item, which is periodically revised as additional information regarding the current and capital and financial accounts becomes available.

Source: Banco Central.

Current Account

Uruguay’s current account consists of the merchandise trade balance, net foreign trade on services, primary income (interest and dividend net payments) and secondary income (current transfers).

 

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In 2017, the current account recorded a deficit of US7.5 million. The US$303.6 million decrease in the current account surplus compared to 2016 was mainly attributable to an increase in the primary income deficit.

In 2018, the current account recorded a deficit of US$266.4 million. Compared to 2017, the negative balance was mainly attributable to the decrease in the balance of trade of services.

In 2019, the current account recorded a surplus of US$980.4 million. The US$1,246.8 million increase in the current account balance compared to 2018 was mainly attributable to an increase in the surplus of trade of goods and a decrease in primary income deficit.

In 2020, the current account recorded a deficit of US$449.3 million. The US$1,429.7 decrease in the current account balance compared to 2019 was mainly attributable to two opposing trends. On the one hand, primary income deficit decreased due to lower rents payable on profits earned by FDI companies in the country. On the other hand, the balance of goods and services decreased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected exports to a greater extent than imports, which fell by 20.2% and 15.2%, respectively, when measured in U.S. dollars. The balance of services was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, decreasing to US$307.1 million in 2020 from US$675.2 million in 2019, mainly due to the effect that the closure of national borders had on inbound tourism.

In 2021, the current account recorded a deficit of US$1,092.2 million. The US$643 million increase in the current account deficit compared to 2020 was mainly attributable to an increase in primary income deficit, primarily due to higher profits from FDI companies in the country, and the balance service deficit. In addition, during 2021, the balance of goods surplus increased by US$1,887.1 million compared to 2020.

Capital Account

Uruguay’s capital account reflects capital transfers and the net acquisition of non-produced, non-financial assets. In 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021, Uruguay’s capital account recorded a net lending of US$19.6 million, US$45.7 million, US$53.9 million and US$0.8 million, respectively, whereas in 2019, Uruguay’s capital account recorded a net borrowing of US$375.3 million, mainly due to the acquisition of non-produced, non-financial assets from the non-financial private sector.

Financial Account

Uruguay’s financial account includes direct investment, portfolio investment, financial derivatives, other investment and variations in Banco Central reserve assets.

In 2017, Uruguay’s financial account recorded a net lending of US$915.2 million. In 2017, FDI recorded net outflows of US$2,037.3 million, while portfolio and other investments and financial derivatives recorded net inflows of US$3,570.8 million in the aggregate. Banco Central’s reserve assets increased by US$2,448.7 million in 2017, mainly due to the purchase of foreign currency, which was partially offset by a decrease in deposits of the banking system and other institutions with Banco Central.

In 2018, Uruguay’s financial account recorded a net borrowing of US$346.1 million. In 2018, FDI and other investments recorded net outflows of US$1,368.9 million in the aggregate, while portfolio investments and financial derivatives recorded net inflows of US$1,306.9 million in the aggregate. Banco Central’s reserve assets decreased by US$408.1 million in 2018, mainly due to a decrease in deposits of the Central Government with Banco Central, mainly driven by the repayment upon maturity of a U.S. dollar-denominated bond issued by the Republic. This decrease was partially offset by a sovereign issuance of U.S. dollar-denominated bonds in April 2018, the purchase of foreign currency by Banco Central and an increase in deposits of the banking system and other institutions with Banco Central.

In 2019, Uruguay’s financial account recorded a net lending of US$306.3 million. In 2019, FDI recorded net inflows of US$1,397.3 million, while portfolio and other investments and financial derivatives recorded net outflows of US$2,814.2 million in the aggregate. Reserve assets decreased by US$1,110.6 million in 2019, mainly due to a net sale of foreign currency by Banco Central, which was partially offset by an increase in deposits of the banking system and other institutions with Banco Central.

 

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In 2020, Uruguay’s financial account recorded a net lending of US$505.3 million. In 2020, FDI and other investments recorded net inflows of US$2,599.9 million in the aggregate, while portfolio and financial derivatives recorded net outflows of US$1,475.4 million in the aggregate. Banco Central’s reserve assets increased by US$1,629.8 million in 2020. This increase was mainly due to an increase in net purchases of foreign currency by Banco Central and, to a lesser extent, an increase in deposits of the banking system with Banco Central, which were partially offset by a decrease in the deposits from pension funds and the Central Government with Banco Central.

In 2021, Uruguay’s financial account recorded a net borrowing of US$1,066.3 million. In 2021, FDI, other investments and financial derivatives recorded net inflows of US$2,753.5 million in the aggregate, while portfolio derivatives recorded net outflows of US$858.5 million in the aggregate. Banco Central’s reserve assets increased by US$828.7 million in 2021. This increase was mainly due to an increase in deposits of the Uruguayan banking system with Banco Central, a Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) 411 million (approximately US$583 million) allocation from the IMF in August 2021 and, to a lesser extent, net purchases of foreign currency by Banco Central, which were partially offset by a decrease in the deposits from pension funds and the Central Government with Banco Central.

Under regulations adopted in August 2012 by Banco Central, non-residents that purchased Banco Central bonds issued in pesos or UIs, through local financial institutions, were required to deposit with Banco Central a percentage of the investment made in Banco Central’s debt. This deposit could not be withdrawn until the bond was redeemed by Banco Central or transferred to an Uruguayan resident or a foreign investor that had previously satisfied the prior-deposit requirements. The minimum percentage that investors were required to deposit with one or more local financial institutions was originally set at 40%. In June 2013, this percentage was raised to 50%.

In June 2013, Uruguay implemented similar requirements for the purchase by non-residents of local treasury bills and bonds issued in pesos or UIs. The minimum percentage that non-residents were required to deposit with one or more local financial institutions was 50% of the investment made in these bills and bonds.

In September 2014, the Macroeconomic Coordination Committee, comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Banco Central, removed the reserve requirements for non-residents’ holdings of central government local currency-denominated securities and reduced the level of mandatory deposit requirements for investments in Banco Central’s short-term debt from 50% to 30%. On May 1, 2015, Banco Central removed all remaining reserve requirements on non-residents’ holdings of its securities and have not implemented similar measures since then.

Errors and Omissions

Errors and omissions records current and financial transactions not properly captured in the compilation of balance of payment’s data. A positive sign may be an indication of an underestimation of the result of the current or capital accounts (higher surplus or lower deficit) and/or an overestimation of the net outflow of financial assets (lower outflows or higher inflows).

In 2017, 2020 and 2021, errors and omissions recorded a positive value of US$881.1 million, US$900.7 million, and US$25.2 million, respectively, while in 2018 and 2019 they recorded a negative value of US$125.3 million and US$298.7 million, respectively.

International Reserves

As of December 31, 2021, the international reserve assets of Banco Central stood at US$17.0 billion, compared to US$16.2 billion at December 31, 2020.

 

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The following table shows the composition of the international reserve assets of Banco Central, and the banking system at each of the dates indicated.

International Reserve Assets of Banco Central and the Banking System(1)

(in millions of US$)

 

     As of December 31,  
     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021  

Banco Central

   US$ 15,963 (2)    US$ 15,557 (3)    US$ 14,505 (4)    US$ 16,217 (5)    US$ 16,953 (6) 

Of which gold represents

     4       4       5       6       6  

Public Banks

     3,018       929       777       2,458       2,336  

Private Banks

     3,195       3,385       4,027       5,278       5,699  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

International reserve assets

   US$ 22,176     US$ 19,871     US$ 19,309     US$ 23,953     US$ 24,988  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

All figures are at market value as of the date indicated.

(2) 

This amount includes US$5,558 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$2,461 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(3) 

This amount includes US$5,581 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$2,576 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(4) 

This amount includes US$6,012 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$2,691 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(5) 

This amount includes US$6,630 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$2,920 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(6) 

This amount includes U$S7,126 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$3,254 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

Source: Banco Central.

The voluntary deposits and reserves held with Banco Central by the Uruguayan banking system can be withdrawn by banks at any time. Changes in Banco Central’s policies and other external factors (including interest rates) affecting the banks’ medium- and long-term portfolio decisions could cause and, in the past, have caused the banks to withdraw these voluntary deposits. Variations in commercial bank reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system with Banco Central cause Banco Central’s international reserve assets to fluctuate from time to time.

Foreign Investment

Uruguay has a legislative framework that provides for the equal treatment of foreign and local investors and access by foreigners to all economic sectors. Foreign investments in Uruguay generally do not require prior governmental authorization, and foreign investors are not required to register investments with the government and can freely remit their profits and capital investments abroad. There are no restrictions to buying or selling foreign currency in Uruguay. Investment in certain sectors, including financial services, requires prior authorization on the same terms as domestic investors.

Foreign investment in Uruguay was traditionally directed towards the industrial, construction and tourism-related sectors and land. However, since 2004, Uruguay has attracted significant foreign investment in paper pulp mills, renewable energy (wind) and real estate projects. In 2017 and 2018, estimated foreign direct investment accounted for net outflows of US$2.1 billion and US$0.8 billion, respectively. In 2019, 2020 and 2021, estimated foreign investment accounted for net inflows of US$1.4 billion, US$1.0 billion and US$1.3 billion, respectively.

 

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MONETARY POLICY AND INFLATION

Banco Central was established in 1967 and is in charge of issuing currency, managing foreign exchange reserves, regulating the financial and insurance system, as well as pension funds and the securities market, and evaluating and advising the government regarding the establishment of new banks and other financial institutions. Banco Central has primary responsibility for implementing monetary policy, intervening in the money market and advising the government on monetary and credit matters in accordance with general objectives set by the government. In addition, it trades in the foreign exchange market and is responsible for the observance of foreign exchange regulations.

Under Banco Central’s current charter, the Board of Directors is composed of three members, each serving a five-year term. Each new president of Uruguay is entitled to appoint a new Board of Directors, subject to ratification by Congress.

Banco Central’s charter defines Banco Central’s monetary and foreign exchange management capacity and its supervisory powers. Pursuant to its charter, Banco Central cannot finance the activities of the government except to the extent that it may hold government securities that have an aggregate principal amount of up to 10% of the government’s previous year’s expenditures net of interest payments on public debt. However, Banco Central can serve as a financial agent of the government under Article 49 of its charter and has a duty under article 3 to ensure the orderly functioning of the payments system.

Law No. 18,401 created the Corporación de Protección al Ahorro Bancario or Corporation for the Protection of Bank Savings as an agency independent of Banco Central, removing Banco Central’s responsibility for the administration of the mandatory deposit insurance program introduced in 2002. Law No. 18,401 placed the supervision and regulation of the banking sector and the regulation of insurance companies, the stock market and pension funds under a single agency, the Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros.

Monetary Policy

Until June 2002, Banco Central managed Uruguay’s inflation stabilization policy by setting a peso/U.S. dollar exchange rate band that drifted at a monthly rate of devaluation and allowed the peso/U.S. dollar exchange rate to fluctuate within a band without prompting Banco Central intervention in the foreign exchange markets. This “crawling peg” system succeeded in reducing inflation from a rate of 129.0% (as measured by the CPI) in 1990 to 3.6% in 2001. In June 2001 and January 2002, Banco Central widened the band and accelerated the rate of devaluation of the peso in an attempt to mitigate the ongoing adverse effects on Uruguay’s economy, first of Brazil’s 1999 devaluation and subsequently of Argentina’s devaluation in January 2002. Inflation targets were administered through a foreign exchange policy.

Sensitive to the risk of a run on the currency and to avoid the need to adopt exchange controls and restrict capital flows, Uruguay completed its transition to a fully floating exchange system and floated the peso effective on June 20, 2002. Since the peso was allowed to float, Banco Central pursued interventions solely to ensure the orderly operation of the foreign exchange market. As of December 2002, the nominal exchange rate had risen 94.0% in comparison to December 2001. The year-to-year inflation rate for the same period was 25.9%.

Having relinquished the use of exchange rate policies to determine inflation objectives, Banco Central adopted the peso monetary base as a nominal anchor and committed to a monetary base increase one year ahead consistent with the inflation objective set for the period. To regulate liquidity in the market, Banco Central conducted periodic auctions of Banco Central notes denominated in domestic currency. In 2003, the program was designed to generate an inflation rate between 17.0% and 23.0% and the policy was successful in the sense that the target on monetary base was achieved and inflation rate was lower than projected (10.2%). In the first quarter of 2004, a target range for the monetary base was introduced, which implied more flexibility in the intermediate target and more commitment with inflation itself. Since then, the inflation objective was set to a range with floors and ceilings that declined from quarter to quarter, from 9.0-14.0% in the third quarter of 2004 to 4.5-6.5% by the end of 2006.

 

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In September 2007, Banco Central began defining monetary policy by reference to short-term interest rates as the new intermediate target. As a consequence, Banco Central introduced a short-term interest rate that was initially set at 5.0% and established the average money market rate as the instrument to monitor its new inflation target. The interest rate band was set at 4.0-6.0%.

In January 2008, the inflation target range was changed to 3.0-7.0% in recognition of the difficulties to keep a close control of this target in a context of high volatility in commodity and asset prices. In light of the deepening international financial markets crisis, Banco Central decided, in the last quarter of 2008, to allow wider fluctuations of the average money market rate. As financial markets recovered stability, Banco Central once again focused on the monetary policy rate as an operational target and raised the rate to 10.0% in January 2009, given the persistent inflationary pressures. In December 2009, Banco Central narrowed the inflation target range from 3.0-7.0% to 4.0-6.0%.

On June 28, 2013, Banco Central discontinued the use of a monetary policy rate determined by reference to a short-term interest rate as its principal monetary policy tool and reverted to using the monetary base by managing monetary aggregates, focusing on variables such as the amount of money in circulation and bank deposits levels to define monetary levels. Banco Central’s use of short-term interest rates as its main monetary policy tool in an international environment characterized by depressed interest rates was considered, at the time, ineffective to control inflation. Capital inflows resulted in an appreciation of the Uruguayan peso.

In July 2014, Banco Central broadened the inflation target range from 4.0-6.0% to 3.0-7.0%.

On August 6, 2020, Banco Central announced that it would revert to a short-term interest rate target as the monetary policy instrument under the inflation targeting regime, abandoning the use of the monetary base as its principal monetary policy tool. Initially, Banco Central launched a trial period for the operation of short-term instruments (fine-tuning instruments), and on August 17, 2020, it began to issue short-term instruments regularly. In addition, on August 27, 2020, the Macroeconomic Coordination Committee announced it would set the inflation target range between 3%-6% starting in September 2022, reducing the ceiling and narrowing the range by one percentage point as a way of reinforcing the commitment to the disinflation strategy.

On September 3, 2020, in an extraordinary meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (COPOM), Banco Central introduced a short-term interest rate target of 4.5%, seeking to provide greater transparency to market signals, while allowing for fine-tuning of monetary policy at higher frequency.

On August 11, 2021, Banco Central increased the reference interest rate (Monetary Policy Rate) by 50 basis points to 5.0%, gradually moderating the expansionary monetary policy implemented following the outbreak of COVID-19. The Monetary Policy Committee (COPOM, for its acronym in Spanish) also announced its intention to continue moving towards a gradual adjustment in interest rates.

On October 5 and November 11, 2021, Banco Central increased the reference interest rate by 25 basis points and 50 basis points, respectively, to reach 5.75%.

During the three-month period ended December 31, 2021, the average peso interbank lending rate stood at 5.5%.

On December 23, 2020, Banco Central proposed a schedule for a gradual reduction in reserve requirements for deposits in local currency, as a counter-cyclical policy response and to buttress the de-dollarization strategy. Pursuant to such schedule, in 2021, reserve requirements for local currency deposits were gradually reduced from 22% to 15% for local currency deposits with a term shorter than 30 days, from 11% to 3% for local currency deposits with a term between 30 to 90 days, from 7% to 2% for local currency deposits with a term between 180 to 365 days and from 5% to 1% for local currency deposits with a term longer than one year. This measure resulted in a total release of funds to the economy in an amount approximately equal to 1% of GDP as of December 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2021, 75.3% of all deposits held with the banking system were denominated in foreign currencies (primarily U.S. dollars). The ability of Banco Central to implement an effective monetary policy could be curtailed by the high degree of dollarization of the Uruguayan economy.

 

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Inflation

The following table shows changes in the CPI and the WPI for the years indicated.

Changes in CPI and WPI

(% change from previous year at period end)

 

     CPI     WPI  

2017

     6.6     5.4

2018

     8.0     10.0

2019

     8.8     20.1

2020

     9.4     3.6

2021

     8.0     20.7

 

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

In 2017, the inflation rate declined to 6.6%, mainly due to the stability observed in prices of non-tradable goods and the effects of the appreciation of the peso. In 2018, however, the inflation rate climbed to 8.0% (above the 3.0-7.0% target range set by Banco Central), mainly due to the inflationary effects of the depreciation of the peso. In 2019, the inflation rate reached 8.8% (above the 3.0-7.0% target range set by Banco Central), mainly due to the depreciation of the peso and an increase in beef prices driven by an increase in processed meats exports to China. In 2020, the inflation rate reached 9.4% (above the 3.0-7.0% target range set by Banco Central), mainly due to the inflationary effects of the depreciation of the peso, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the inflation rate reached 8.0% (above the 3.0-7.0% target range set by Banco Central), mainly due to an increase in commodity prices, particularly in the prices of beef and fish.

Liquidity and Credit Aggregates

The following tables set forth the composition of Uruguay’s monetary base (expressed in terms of Banco Central’s monetary liabilities) as of the dates indicated.

Monetary Base

(in millions of US$(1))

 

     As of December 31,  
     2017      2018      2019      2020      2021  

Currency, including cash in vaults at banks

   US$ 2,658      US$ 2,472      US$ 2,269      US$ 2,201      US$ 2,290  

Other

     980        1,094        1,064        909        714  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Monetary base

   US$ 3,638      US$ 3,566      US$ 3,333      US$ 3,110      US$ 3,005  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Exchange rate at the end of the period.

Source: Banco Central.

The following tables show selected monetary indicators and liquidity and credit aggregates for the periods indicated.

 

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Selected Monetary Indicators

(percentage change based on peso-denominated data)

 

     For the year ended December 31,  
     2017(1)     2018(1)     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

M1 (% change)(2)

     15.0     8.9     5.1     18.5     17.8

M2 (% change)(3)

     3.1       10.3       5.7       16.9       15.7  

Credit from the financial system (% change)

     6.1       12.4       13.2       13.6       15.0  

Average annual peso deposit rate

     5.3     5.3     6.5     4.2     4.5

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Currency in circulation plus peso-denominated demand deposits.

(3) 

M1 plus peso-denominated savings deposits.

Source: Banco Central.

Liquidity and Credit Aggregates

(in millions of US$(1))

 

     As of December 31  
     2017(2)      2018(2)      2019(2)      2020(2)      2021(2)  

Liquidity aggregates:

              

Currency, excluding cash in vaults at banks

   US$ 1,960      US$ 1,862      US$ 1,686      US$ 1,669      US$ 1,743  

M1(3)

     7,619        7,371        6,719        7,018        7,833  

M2(4)

     10,260        10,054        9,218        9,502        10,410  

M3(5)

     28,729        28,557        28,666        31,424        34,774  

Credit aggregates:

              

Private sector credit

     15,478        15,502        14,919        14,785        15,787  

Public sector credit

     1,229        1,488        1,494        1,481        1,726  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total domestic credit

   US$ 16,707      US$ 16,990      US$ 16,413      US$ 16,266      US$ 17,513  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deposits:

              

Uruguayan Peso deposits

   US$ 8,300      US$ 8,192      US$ 7,532      US$ 7,833      US$ 8,667  

Foreign currency deposits

     21,276        21,322        22,591        25,372        27,821  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

   US$ 29,576      US$ 29,514      US$ 30,123      US$ 33,205      US$ 36,488  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deposits of non-residents

   US$ 2,807      US$ 2,819      US$ 3,142      US$ 3,451      US$ 3,457  

 

(1) 

Exchange rate at the end of the relevant year.

(2) 

Preliminary data.

(3) 

Currency in circulation plus peso-denominated demand deposits.

(4) 

M1 plus peso-denominated savings deposits.

(5) 

M2 plus deposits of residents in foreign currency, principally U.S. dollars.

Source: Banco Central.

The weighted average annual interest rate for 91 to 180-day term deposits in U.S. dollars in the banking system was 0.2% in December 2017, 0.4% in both December 2018 and December 2019, and 0.1% in both December 2020 and December 2021. The weighted average annual interest rate for 91 to 180-day term deposits in pesos in the banking system stood at 5.2% in December 2017, 6.0% in December 2018, 7.1% in December 2019, 4.8% in December 2020 and 5.1% in December 2021.

Credit Quality

The decrease in the level of deposits held with the Uruguayan banking system and the uncertainties affecting the economy in 2002 and early 2003 resulted in significant increases in loan default rates and insolvencies with virtually no credit being extended to local businesses by local financial institutions. Since the beginning of 2003, the number of loan defaults and insolvencies has abated. As of December 31, 2017, the ratio of NLPs to total loans was 3.4% while the provision for NPLs ratio stood at 6.3% (both including Banco Hipotecario). As of December 31, 2018, the ratio of NLPs to total loans was 3.2% while the provision for NPLs ratio stood at 6.3% (both including Banco Hipotecario). As of December 31, 2019, the ratio of NLPs to total loans was 3.0% while the provision for NPLs ratio stood at 5.3% (both including Banco Hipotecario). As of December 31, 2020, the ratio of NLPs to total loans was 2.7% while the provision for NPLs ratio stood at 4.8% (both including Banco Hipotecario). As of December 31, 2021, the ratio of NLPs to total loans was 1.5% while the provision for NPLs ratio stood at 4.2% (both including Banco Hipotecario). For a discussion of Uruguay’s current monetary policy, see “—Monetary Policy.”

 

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Foreign Exchange Market

Between 1990 and June 2002, the Uruguayan peso gradually lost value relative to other currencies. Banco Central allowed the peso/U.S. dollar exchange rate to fluctuate within a band of its value (initially set at 3.0% and increased to 6.0% in June 2001) and the bounds of the band were adjusted upward by 0.6% (1.2% after June 2001) each month. Interest rates for deposits in foreign currencies generally tracked movements in international interest rates. Interest rates for deposits in pesos, however, fell during the first months of 2000.

In January 2002, Banco Central adjusted the monthly rate of devaluation of the Uruguayan peso from 1.2% to 2.4% and the width of the band of fluctuation for the peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate from 6.0% to 12.0%, responding to Argentina’s economic crisis and its impact on the region as a whole. The continued devaluation of the Argentine peso, and increasing uncertainties as to the future of the Brazilian economy increased the risk of a speculative run on the peso. On June 19, 2002, Banco Central allowed the peso to float. A steep devaluation of the peso followed, reaching its lowest point on September 10, 2002, when the exchange rate reached Ps.32.325 per US$1.00. Starting in 2003, the peso strengthened against the U.S. dollar.

In 2008, the appreciation of the peso was temporarily interrupted by the financial crisis. Between June 1, 2013 and April 26, 2016, the peso depreciated 57.3% in line with the fluctuation recorded in other emerging economies. From April 26, 2016 to December 31, 2017, the peso appreciated 9.9% against the U.S. dollar. During 2018, the peso initially appreciated by 2.0% against the U.S. dollar throughout April 2018, and depreciated by 15.1% against the U.S. dollar between May and December 2018. During 2019, the peso depreciated 15.3% against the U.S. dollar in line with similar fluctuations recorded for currencies from other emerging economies against the U.S. dollar. During 2020, the peso depreciated 13.4% against the U.S. dollar, with a sharp depreciation in the first quarter due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining relatively stable during the rest of the year. During 2021, the peso depreciated 5.6% against the U.S. dollar, with a sharp depreciation in the first quarter due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, an appreciation until the end of August 2021 and a depreciation during the rest of the year.

Since the mid-1970s, Uruguay has not imposed foreign exchange convertibility or remittance controls. Uruguayan residents are permitted to buy or sell foreign exchange without restriction, and there are no restrictions on the repatriation in foreign currency of capital or dividends by foreign investors.

The following table shows the high, low, average and period-end peso/U.S. dollar exchange rates for the dates and periods indicated.

Exchange Rates

(pesos per US$)

 

     High      Low      Average      Period-End  

2017

     29.663        27.809        28.654        28.764  

2018

     33.214        28.151        30.739        32.390  

2019

     38.012        32.425        35.284        37.336  

2020

     45.942        37.194        42.057        42.340  

2021

     44.695        41.940        43.574        44.695  

 

(1)

Daily interbank end-of-day bid rates.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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The following table shows the value in pesos of one UI and one UP as of the dates indicated:

 

Value in pesos as of December 31,    UI      UP  

2017

     Ps.3.7275        N.A.  

2018

     Ps.4.0270        Ps.1.0281  

2019

     Ps.4.3653        Ps.1.1267  

2020

     Ps.4.7846        Ps.1.2122  

2021

     Ps.5.1608        Ps.1.2785  

 

N.A. = Not Available

Source: National Institute of Statistics.

 

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THE BANKING SECTOR

Prudential Regulation, Supervision and Financial System

Banco Central supervises the banking system and requires regular monthly filings of balance sheets, income statements and statements of stockholders’ equity, as well as daily reports on foreign exchange exposure and other information from the banks in the Uruguayan financial system. According to Banco Central’s charter, as most recently amended, Banco Central exercises its supervision and inspection powers over public and private financial institutions through the Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros or Financial Services Superintendency. Although the Superintendency has technical and operational autonomy, Banco Central retains certain powers in relation to receivership of impaired institutions and revocation of banking licenses. Following international best practices, the supervision of financial institutions by Banco Central is based both on the level of risk that each bank adopts and the management of those risks evidenced by each institution. To improve the supervision of local financial institutions that are affiliated with Spanish financial groups, the Superintendency entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the supervisory authorities of Spain, Banco de España, that allows both agencies to share relevant information.

The Financial Services Superintendency imposes lending limits and cash and liquidity reserve requirements, among other requirements. Financial institutions are required to classify loans made to non-financial borrowers in accordance with the following criteria that, in addition to the performance of payment obligations, factor in the borrower’s projected ability to remain current:

 

Category 1A:    

   Loans secured with liquid collateral. This category includes loans secured by highly liquid collateral which banks can have access to through the exercise of set-off rights. No provisions are required for this category.

Category 1B:

   Financial sector borrowers including non-resident banks and other financial institutions, whose payments are not past due and have an international credit score rated between BBB- and BBB.

Category 1C:

   Borrowers with strong ability to repay their obligations. Payment obligations may not be past due by more than 10 days. In addition, based on the bank’s assessment, the borrower should be expected to remain current on its payment obligations even under extremely adverse scenarios. Provisions of 0.5% are required for this category.

Category 2A:

   Borrowers with adequate ability to repay their obligations. Payment obligations may not be past due by more than 30 days. In addition, based on the bank’s assessment, the borrower should be expected to remain current on its payment obligations under adverse circumstances. Provisions of 1.5% are required for this category.

Category 2B:

   Borrowers with potential financial difficulties. Payment obligations may not be past due by more than 60 days. In addition, based on the bank’s assessment, the borrower should be expected to remain current on its payment obligations under somewhat adverse circumstances. Provisions of 3.0% are required for this category.

Category 3:

   Borrowers with an impaired ability to repay their obligations. Payment obligations may not be past due by more than 120 days. In addition, based on the bank’s assessment, the borrower would have difficulty in repaying its obligations on the original terms under moderately adverse circumstances. Provisions of 17.0% are required for this category.

Category 4:

   Borrowers with a substantially impaired ability to repay their obligations. Payment obligations may not be past due by more than 180 days. In addition, based on the bank’s assessment, the borrower would have a high probability of defaulting on its future obligations. Provisions of 50.0% are required for this category.

Category 5:

   Irrecoverable: Borrowers included in this category have payment obligations past due by more than 180 days and based on the bank’s assessment are unable to repay the loan. Provisions of 100.0% are required.

 

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Home loans and consumer loans must also be classified and reserved in accordance with the prior classification taking their specific characteristics into consideration.

Banco Central substantially adheres to the requirements of the Basel Committee on Capital Adequacy of the Bank of International Settlement and, as a general rule, since September 1998 has required ratios of total capital to risk-weighted assets equivalent to 8.0% in the case of banks, financial cooperatives, financial houses and off-shore banks, and 12.0% in case of financial cooperatives holding a limited license. Minimum capital requirements must cover credit, market and operational risk requirements under Basel II recommendations. In addition, Banco Central requires banks to maintain a minimum capital requirement for systemic risk of up to 2% and an additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of the bank’s risk-weighted assets. Banco Central has maintained a maximum leverage ratio of 25 times capital and has defined a roadmap for the implementation of Basel III, which was fully implemented by the end of 2019.

In order to mitigate the exposure of Uruguayan banks to the foreign exchange risk created by the denomination of a significant portion of their loan portfolio in U.S. dollars—impact on the creditworthiness of borrowers that could arise from volatility in foreign exchange rates—loans denominated in foreign currency are given a weight of 125% instead of the normal 100% applied to loans denominated in pesos and significant shifts in the dollar/peso exchange rate must be taken into consideration by the banks in assessing the borrowers’ ability to repay their obligations (and classifying the foreign currency-denominated loans in accordance with the categories described above).

Banco Central requires banks and cooperatives that apply for licenses to have a minimum capital (“responsabilidad patrimonial básica”) in UIs, of UIs 130 million. The minimum capital required for financial houses and cooperatives with limited licenses is UIs 65 million, and for off-shore banks is US$4.5 million. As of December 31, 2021, one UI was equal to Ps.4.3653.

The Uruguayan Banking System

Commercial banks in Uruguay typically provide full-service banking. Of the nine private banks operating in Uruguay as of December 31, 2021, seven were Uruguayan corporations majority-owned by foreign banks and two were branches of foreign banks. In accordance with current legislation, the Republic guarantees up to US$10,000 of deposits in foreign currency and up to UIs 250,000 of deposits in pesos, including, in both cases, capital and accrued interests.

Under Uruguayan banking legislation, banks organized in Uruguay are considered national banks even if their capital is held by a foreign bank. Foreign banks may set up branches in Uruguay that enjoy the same operating privileges as banks incorporated in Uruguay. Financial houses, the majority of which are owned by foreign banks, may conduct any type of financial operations except those reserved exclusively to banks, such as accepting demand deposits both from Uruguayan residents and from nonresidents and time deposits from Uruguayan residents. Financial cooperatives are financial institutions organized as cooperatives, which can only provide banking services to their members. There are two kind of licenses granted to financial cooperatives: the first limiting its financial operations to operating predominantly in pesos and imposing a fixed ceiling on the amount of individual loans, and the second having a broader scope and allowing cooperatives to perform the same operations as banks, making them subject to the same regulatory requirements. As of December 31, 2021, there were no financial cooperatives holding broad banking licenses in Uruguay.

Banco de la República serves as the government’s commercial bank and also operates as a commercial and development bank for industrial and farming activities. As of December 31, 2021, Banco de la República held approximately 44.6% of deposits of the private non-financial sector within the financial system (excluding off-shore banks and financial houses). Following the financial crisis of the early 1980s, Banco de la República enhanced its position as the predominant provider of long-term financing and of promotional medium-term loans for industrial and farming activities, as many private banks geared their business toward short-term loans. Certain private banks have extended medium-term loans to corporations and individuals, primarily to purchase goods, and long-term mortgage loans in connection with the purchase of real estate.

 

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The 2002 Banking Crisis

Volatility in Argentina at the end of 2001 initially caused an increase in deposits by non-residents with the Uruguayan banking system. As of December 31, 2001, U.S. dollar deposits in the financial system totaled US$14.2 billion compared to US$12.4 billion as of December 31, 2000. However, Uruguay’s two largest private banks were affiliated with Argentine banks and experienced an increase in deposit withdrawals in December 2001 and January 2002. Between December 2001 and January 2002, depositors withdrew a total of US$564 million from those two institutions.

The deposit outflow spread through the rest of the financial system in the second quarter of 2002 as the contagion effects of Argentina became clearer. On June 21, 2002, Banco Central took control of Banco Montevideo/La Caja Obrera, Uruguay’s third-largest private bank, and removed its management.

Although the government received approximately US$500 million from the IMF on June 29, 2002, and provided liquidity assistance to the local banks, confidence in the Uruguayan financial system continued to erode. Between June 1 and July 30, 2002, total deposits in the financial system decreased by US$2.2 billion. On July 30, 2002, after a sharp decrease in Banco Central’s international reserve assets to approximately US$650 million, the government declared a bank holiday (which ultimately continued for four business days).

The Uruguayan authorities sought the financial assistance of the IMF, the World Bank and the IDB for a program that would safeguard Uruguay’s payment and financial system without unnecessarily channeling additional resources to support financial institutions that had become insolvent. The cornerstone of Uruguay’s program consisted of providing the liquidity needed by the two state-owned banks (Banco de la República and Banco Hipotecario) and the three banks under the control of Banco Central at the time (Banco Comercial, Banco Montevideo/La Caja Obrera and Banco de Crédito) to honor sight deposits existing as of July 30, 2002. The IMF program also contemplated a mandatory rescheduling of U.S. dollar-denominated time deposits held with Banco de la República and Banco Hipotecario and the suspension of the activities of Banco Comercial, Banco Montevideo/La Caja Obrera and Banco de Crédito. The rescheduled deposits were repaid commencing in 2004.

On August 4, 2002, Congress passed Law No. 17,523, known as the Law for the Strengthening of the Financial System. The law (i) provided for the establishment of a fund for the stability of the Uruguayan banking system, the FESB, (ii) extended the maturities of all U.S. dollar-denominated time deposits held with Banco de la República and Banco Hipotecario to three years, (iii) transferred foreign currency-denominated liabilities of Banco Hipotecario to Banco de la República, and (iv) facilitated the liquidation of insolvent banks.

On August 4, 2002, Uruguay gained access to US$1.4 billion of additional assistance from the IMF, the World Bank and the IDB. The proceeds of this financing were contributed by the government to the FESB, thereby providing the liquidity needed by Banco de la República, Banco Hipotecario, Banco Comercial, Banco Montevideo/La Caja Obrera and Banco de Crédito to honor sight deposits existing as of July 30, 2002 and thereby prevent a meltdown of Uruguay’s payment system.

On December 27, 2002, Congress enacted an amendment to the banking law (Law No. 17,613) aimed at strengthening the banking system. The law imposed reporting obligations on bank employees that acquire knowledge of irregularities, authorized the Superintendency of Financial Institutions to impose fines on the state-owned banks, and created a public register for bank shareholders. The law also provided the basis for the liquidation of the four private banks whose operations were discontinued in connection with the bank holiday declared on July 30, 2002, and the creation of a new financial institution with the portfolio of recoverable assets previously owned by the liquidated banks, expanded the powers of Banco Central in connection with the liquidation of financial institutions and the application of prudential regulations to state-owned banks, and mandated a deposit insurance program (which was implemented in March 2005). Following the adoption of the law, the government completed the reorganization of the discontinued banks into a new commercial bank, which was set up as a private bank, although its capital was initially owned by the government, and acquired the recoverable assets of three of the liquidated banks (Banco Comercial, Banco Montevideo and La Caja Obrera), assumed certain deposits and commenced its operations in March 2003. The non-recoverable assets of the three liquidated banks are held by liquidation funds, which were initially managed by Banco Central and were subsequently transferred to a private asset management company following a public bidding process. Deposits of the liquidated banks that were not assumed by the new commercial bank entitle depositors to a pro-rata share of the assets held by the corresponding liquidation fund.

 

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During the 2002 crisis, with the exception of the country’s two largest banks, foreign-owned banks in Uruguay funded deposit outflows from their own resources.

The share of NPLs on total loans issued to the non-financial sector increased during the 2002 crisis. For all active private institutions excluding off-shore banks, NPLs increased from 5.0% to 16.0% on a net basis (from 10.0% to 25.0% on a gross basis) from December 2001 to December 2002. The deterioration of the loan portfolio can be attributed to the deepening of the recession and the devaluation of the peso. Devaluation affected the ability of local borrowers that did not have access to foreign exchange revenues to pay back their debts, which were mostly denominated in dollars. The increase of NPLs also, however, reflected the effect of the dramatic reduction of the stock of credit, from US$3.2 billion in December 2001 to US$2.0 billion in December 2002. To fund the deposit outflow, most banks ceased extending loans, thereby contributing to the increase in the share of NPLs.

Banco Central took measures to improve the soundness of the banking system, raising the minimum capital required to hold a license to operate as a financial intermediary institution (“responsabilidad patrimonial básica”) and also issuing instructions to banks requiring that the value of any collateral be reappraised after July 30, 2002 to factor into such valuation the impact of the devaluation of the peso.

Uruguay’s Banking System Following the 2002 Crisis

Beginning in March 2003, the level of deposits by the non-financial private sector started to increase and by December 2003, such deposits had reached US$7.6 billion (excluding deposits held with off-shore banks and financial houses). The successful reprofiling of the government’s foreign currency-denominated debt in June 2003 assisted in reducing the uncertainties and volatility that had affected Uruguay’s banking system since the end of 2001.

In 2003, the authorities introduced special liquid asset requirements with respect to deposits by non-residents to mitigate risks that could arise if runs on such deposits comparable to those observed during the 2002 crisis recurred.

The government also implemented certain structural reforms affecting state-owned banks. Following the transfer of all deposits to Banco de la República during the last quarter of 2002, the government streamlined the operations of Banco Hipotecario and limited its license to receive deposits. As of December 31, 2017, financial institutions had on average a total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio above the ratio required by Banco Central. As of December 31, 2018, Banco Hipotecario had US$1.91 billion of assets and US$1.01 billion of capital. As of December 31, 2019, Banco Hipotecario had US$1.82 billion of assets and US$0.86 billion of capital, and remained in full compliance with Uruguay’s minimum capital adequacy ratios requirements. As of December 31, 2020, Banco Hipotecario had US$1.75 billion of assets and US$0.84 billion of capital. As of December 31, 2021, Banco Hipotecario had US$1.79 billion of assets and US$0.85 billion of capital, and remained in full compliance with Uruguay’s current minimum capital adequacy ratios requirements.

In December 2003, Banco de la República transferred a portion of its loan portfolio, comprised mainly of past due loans, to a financial trust. A special vehicle was established to administer the transferred loans under the terms of the arrangements setting up the financial trust; Banco de la República was entitled to receive proceeds arising from recoveries under the transferred the loans in accordance with a pre-set cash flow schedule. The government guaranteed the recovery rate contemplated in the trust agreement and agreed to cover any deficit if the recovery rate were not realized. The guarantee was never called upon and it was released in December 2006 as Banco de la República achieved better than expected cash flows, from the recoveries.

At December 31, 2004, the non-financial private sector’s deposits held with the banking system (excluding deposits held with off shore banks and financial houses), of which 89.5% were denominated in foreign currencies, stood at US$8.2 billion. Approximately 54.3% of those deposits were held with Banco de la República, Banco Hipotecario and Nuevo Banco Comercial. The improved liquidity of the financial institutions also extended to Banco de la República, which was able to commence the repayment of the deposits whose maturity had been extended in August 2002 on an accelerated basis.

 

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As inflation rates dropped and the peso appreciated, interest rates declined, but this did not result in an immediate expansion of bank credit. See “Monetary Policy and Inflation.”

In March 2005, the government established a deposit insurance regime to protect holders of U.S. dollar-denominated deposits of up to US$5,000 and peso-denominated deposits of up to the current equivalent of US$20,000 coverage in the event of a liquidation of the bank where such deposits are held. The government provided initial support for this regime through a US$20 million loan plus an additional credit line of US$40 million, which are expected to be replaced over time by insurance premiums to be paid by the financial institutions on account of deposits taken.

During 2005, the non-financial private sector’s deposits with the banking system and solvency ratios improved and the share of NPLs on total loans, decreased. Deposits (including deposits in off-shore banks) increased by US$222 million in 2005, to a total of US$9.4 billion as of December 31, 2005. Despite the increase in deposits, credit extended to the non-financial sector remained relatively stable during 2005. Solvency ratios of the banking system on average remained above the 10.0% total capital to risk-weighted asset ratio required by Banco Central and 6.4% above the level at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2005, the regulatory capital of private banks (including Nuevo Banco Comercial) was 2.2 times above the minimum regulatory requirement, while capital of the Banco de la República was at 2.1 times the minimum requirement. Finally, the share of NPLs on total loans (based on payment delinquencies) of private banks (including Nuevo Banco Comercial) decreased from 7.6% in December 2004 to 3.6% in December 2005, while it remained within a range of 7.0% and 8.0% in 2005 for Banco de la República.

In 2008, the Uruguayan financial system felt some of the impacts of the global financial crisis, mainly affecting bank earnings. Deposits of the non-financial sector with the financial system (excluding the central government and social security agencies) increased in 2008 by 19.0% or US$2.1 billion up to US$13.3 billion.

In 2017, deposits of the non-financial private sector with the banking system increased by 0.6% from US$28.2 billion as of December 31, 2016 to US$28.4 billion as of December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 73.3% of these deposits were denominated in U.S. dollars and 9.8% constituted deposits by non-residents. Credit extended to the domestic non-financial private sector by the banking system increased by 1.5% totaling US$15.2 billion as of December 31, 2017 (of which approximately 51.3% denominated in U.S. dollars). Credit extended to the foreign non-financial private sector by the banking sector represented 1.0% of total extended credits. The share of NPLs to total loans (based on payment delinquencies) stood at 3.4% as of December 31, 2017 (3.7% excluding Banco Hipotecario).

Regulatory capital as of December 31, 2017 represented 14.2% of risk-weighted assets (including Banco Hipotecario), while the equity adequacy and minimum regulatory capital (adjusted by risks) ratio stood at 1.78. During 2017, bank credit to the non-financial sector represented approximately 25.0% of Uruguay’s GDP.

In 2018, deposits of the non-financial private sector with the banking system decreased by 0.1% from US$28.40 billion as of December 31, 2017 to US$28.38 billion as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 73.6% of these deposits were denominated in U.S. dollars and 9.8% constituted deposits by non-residents. Credit extended to the domestic non-financial private sector by the banking system increased by 0.3%, totaling US$15.2 billion as of December 31, 2018 (of which approximately 51.5% denominated in U.S. dollars). Credit extended to the foreign non-financial private sector by the banking sector represented 0.7% of total extended credits. The share of NPLs to total loans (based on payment delinquencies) stood at 3.2% as of December 31, 2018 (3.4% excluding Banco Hipotecario).

Regulatory capital as of December 31, 2018 represented 15.0% of risk-weighted assets (including Banco Hipotecario), while the equity adequacy and minimum regulatory capital (adjusted by risks) ratio stood at 1.88. Bank credit to the non-financial sector represented approximately 24.9% of Uruguay’s GDP.

In 2019, deposits of the non-financial private sector with the banking system stood at US$29.2 billion as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 76.2% of these deposits were denominated in U.S. dollars and 10.4% constituted deposits by non-residents. Credit extended to the domestic non-financial private sector by the banking system decreased by 3.8%, totaling US$14.7 billion as of December 31, 2019 (of which approximately 50.5% denominated in U.S. dollars). Credit extended to the foreign non-financial private sector by the banking sector represented 0.9% of total extended credits. The share of NPLs to total loans (based on payment delinquencies) stood at 3.0 % as of December 31, 2019 (3.4% excluding Banco Hipotecario).

 

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Regulatory capital as of December 31, 2019 represented 15.2% of risk-weighted assets (including Banco Hipotecario), while the equity adequacy and minimum regulatory capital (adjusted by credit, market, operational and systemic risks) ratio stood at 1.90. Bank credit to the non-financial sector represented approximately 25.2% of Uruguay’s GDP.

In 2020, deposits of the non-financial private sector with the banking system stood at US$32.3 billion as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 77.3% of these deposits were denominated in U.S. dollars and 10.3% constituted deposits by non-residents. Credit extended to the domestic non-financial private sector by the banking system decreased by 0.9%, totaling US$14.5 billion as of December 31, 2020 (of which approximately 50.1% denominated in U.S. dollars). Credit extended to the foreign non-financial private sector by the banking sector represented 1.4% of total extended credits. The share of NPLs to total loans (based on payment delinquencies) stood at 2.7% as of December 31, 2020 (2.8% excluding Banco Hipotecario).

Regulatory capital as of December 31, 2020 represented 15.8% of risk-weighted assets (including Banco Hipotecario), while the equity adequacy and minimum regulatory capital (adjusted by credit, market, operational and systemic risks) ratio stood at 1.98. Bank credit to the non-financial sector represented approximately 28.6% of Uruguay’s GDP.

In 2021, deposits of the non-financial private sector with the banking system stood at US$35.4 billion as of December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 77.2% of these deposits were denominated in U.S. dollars and 9.5% constituted deposits by non-residents. Credit extended to the domestic non-financial private sector by the banking system increased by 6.9%, totaling US$15.5 billion as of December 31, 2021 (of which approximately 50.7% denominated in U.S. dollars). Credit extended to the foreign non-financial private sector by the banking sector represented 3.4% of total extended credits. The share of NPLs to total loans (based on payment delinquencies) stood at 1.5% as of December 31, 2021.

Regulatory capital as of December 31, 2021 represented 16.3% of risk-weighted assets (including Banco Hipotecario), while the equity adequacy and minimum regulatory capital (adjusted by credit, market, operational and systemic risks) ratio stood at 1.84. Bank credit to the non-financial sector represented approximately 28.8% of Uruguay’s GDP.

The authorities continue to monitor the overall condition of the banking sector closely to take early action on a case-by-case basis and correct any trend that could adversely affect the banking system as a whole.

 

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The following tables set forth classifications of loan assets of the Uruguayan banking system as of the dates indicated:

Classification of Aggregate Assets of the Uruguayan Banking System (1)

(as of March 31, 2022 in millions of Uruguayan pesos)

 

     1A     1B     1C     2A     2B     3     4     5     Total  

Banco de la República

     41,690       105       136,094       34,951       35,149       41,219       7,699       10,781       307,688  

Privately owned banks

     140,860       456       383,650       108,759       90,548       18,788       13,984       5,223       762,269  

Financial houses

     209       —         24       —         —         33       61       —         327  

Off-shore banks

     2,991       79       18       —         2       —         —         —         3,190  

Cooperatives

     56       —         602       32       119       128       38       128       1,103  

Total

     185,806       740       520,388       143,742       125,817       60,168       21,782       16,133       1,074,576  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percentage

     17.3     0.1     48.4     13.4     11.7     5.6     2.0     1.5     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Gross credit and contingent risks to the financial and non-financial sector.

Source: Banco Central.

Credit Classification of the Banking System (1)

(Based on payment behavior of clients)

(as of December 31, 2021)

 

Institution Type

   Performing
Loans
    NPLs  

Banco de la República

     99.4     0.6

Banco Hipotecario del Uruguay

     98.9     1.1

Private banks

     99.7     0.3

Cooperatives

     96.8     3.2

Financial houses

     100.0     —    

Off-shore banks

     100.0     —    

Total

     99.5     0.5

 

(1) 

Loans to both financial and non-financial sector, net of provisions.

Source: Banco Central.

Total Provisions of the Banking System for

Gross NPLs (1)

(as of December 31, 2021)

 

Institution Type

   Provisions  

Banco de la República

     378

Banco Hipotecario del Uruguay

     406

Private banks

     344

Cooperatives

     119

Financial houses

     —    

Off-shore banks

     —    

Total

     362 % 

 

(1) 

Total provisions as a percentage of gross NPLs to financial and non-financial sector.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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The following table shows the number of financial institutions and percentage of loans and deposits corresponding to each category.

The Uruguayan Financial System

 

     As of December31,  
     2017      2018      2019      2020      2021  
     (Number)      (Number)      (Number)      (Number)      (Number)(1)      (Loans)(2)     (Deposits)(3)  

Financial Institutions:

                   

State-owned

     2        2        2        2        2        35.0     45.2

Privately-owned(1)

     14        11        11        11        11        64.9     54.8

Cooperatives

     1        1        1        1        1        0.1     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     17        14        14        14        14        100.0     100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

At December 31, 2021, includes nine banks, one financial house and one off-shore agency (IFE).

(2) 

Loans to non-financial sector, net of provisions.

(3) 

Non-financial private sector deposits.

Source: Banco Central.

The following table shows the bank credit provided to the private sector by Uruguay’s financial system for the periods shown.

Bank Credit to the Private Sector

(% of total credit)

 

     Banco Central(1)      Private
Commercial Banks(2)
     Banco de la
República
 

As of December 31,

   Domestic
Currency
     Foreign
Currency
     Domestic
Currency
     Foreign
Currency
     Domestic
Currency
     Foreign
Currency
 

2017

     0.3        0.1        21.5        41.4        20.5        16.2  

2018

     0.3        0.1        23.2        43.1        18.7        14.6  

2019

     —          —          25.0        42.9        18.8        13.3  

2020

     —          —          25.6        42.5        18.5        13.5  

2021

     —          —          26.6        43.5        17.5        12.5  

 

(1)

Banco Central credit to the private sector was fully provisioned as of December 31, 2019.

(2) 

Includes private banks, financial houses and financial cooperatives.

Source: Banco Central.

Since the early 1980s, the majority of bank credit provided in Uruguay has been denominated in foreign currency, principally in U.S. dollars. At December 31, 2021, the amount of credit denominated in foreign currencies represented 49.3% of total credit to the domestic non-financial private sector, including Banco Hipotecario.

The Uruguayan financial sector also includes four domestic and eleven foreign insurance companies (including the state-owned insurance company). Insurance companies are regulated on a variety of matters by Law No. 16,426, dated October 14, 1993, Decree 354/94, dated August 17, 1994, and several circulars issued by the Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros of Banco Central.

Prevention of Money Laundering

In December 2017, Congress enacted Law No. 19,574, to consolidate existing regulations on anti-money laundering into a single harmonized legal text. Further, Law No. 19,574, as further amended, expanded the list of transactions that require reporting, as well as the entities required to report suspicious transactions of the non-financial sector and requirements on politically exposed persons.

 

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SECURITIES MARKETS

Until 1994, the Montevideo Stock Exchange was the only stock exchange in Uruguay. In September 1994, BEVSA, the Electronic Stock Exchange, was established for use exclusively by banks and other financial institutions. Foreign exchange transactions and certificates of deposit account for most of the amount traded in the Electronic Stock Exchange.

In 2017, total trading volume increased to US$30.2 billion, mainly due to an increase in the issuance of certificates of deposit by the private sector. In 2018, total trading volume increased to US$35.2 billion, primarily as a result of an increase in the issuance of certificates of deposit by banking entities. In 2019, the aggregate trading volume decreased to US$30.8 billion, primarily as a result of a decrease in transactions involving securities issued by the central government and certificates of deposits and other securities issued by the private sector. In 2020, the aggregate trading volume decreased to US$25.5 billion, primarily as a result of a decrease in transactions involving certificates of deposit. In 2021, the aggregate trading volume increased to US$33.9 billion, primarily as a result of an increase in transactions involving certificates of deposit.

Consolidated Montevideo Stock Exchange &

Electronic Stock Exchange Securities Trading Volume

(in millions of US$)

 

     2017      2018      2019      2020      2021  

Private sector securities:

              

Equities

   US$ 9      US$ 6      US$ 4      US$ 6      US$ 4  

Bonds

     15        35        79        4        178  

Certificates of deposit & other

     15,386        22,611        21,115        16,666        24,738  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total private sector securities .

     15,860        22,652        21,198        16,676        24,920  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Public sector securities:

              

Central government

     14,150        11,820        9,471        8,736        8,953  

Public enterprises

     205        684        149        42        7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total public sector securities

     14,355        12,504        9,620        8,778        8,960  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   US$ 30,215      US$ 35,156      US$ 30,818      US$ 25,454      US$ 33,880  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Number of listed companies:

              

Equities

     8        8        7        7        7  

Bonds and other debt issuers

     54        57        61        63        68  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     62        65        68        70        75  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Source: Banco Central, based on reports of the Montevideo Stock Exchange and Electronic Stock Exchange.

The Uruguayan securities market has been undergoing institutional, legal and operational changes aimed at attaining greater levels of activity. Banco Central, through the Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros, has the power to regulate and supervise the securities markets, including setting professional ethical standards, requiring information, such as periodic reports from listed companies, setting controls and penalties and regulating the relationship between issuers and investors in the stock market. The basic regulatory framework for the Uruguayan securities market is set forth in Law No. 18,627 (issued in 2009 to replace Law No. 16,749), as amended, governing public and private offerings of equity and debt securities in Uruguay, and Law No. 16,774 defining the necessary characteristics and terms for the regulation and supervision of mutual funds and providing management guidelines and professional secrecy and adequacy standards.

In May 2021, the newly appointed President of the Securities Market Promotion Commission, along with the Minister of Economy and Finance and the President of Banco Central relaunched the Securities Market Promotion Commission. The Commission is mandated to study the Uruguayan financial market and to suggest the relevant regulation changes needed in order to boost the ability of the financial market to act as a funding supplier for firms and investment opportunities for the general public as well as for institutional investors.

 

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PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCES

The Uruguayan public sector comprises the central government, local governments, non-financial public sector institutions (including government-owned companies), financial public sector institutions (including Banco Central, Banco de la República and Banco Hipotecario), and a state-owned insurance company, Banco de Seguros del Estado. The consolidated Uruguayan public sector fiscal accounts reflect the revenues and expenditures of the central government, including local governments, non-financial public sector institutions, and Banco de Seguros del Estado. Central government expenditures are financed chiefly through tax revenues, domestic and external borrowing, and distribution of dividends from state-owned companies. Tax collections comprise value-added taxes, excise taxes, income taxes, net worth taxes, tariffs and other minor taxes. Central government expenditures consist primarily of wages, salaries and transfers to the social security system, with interest on public debt and the purchase of goods and services accounting for most of the remainder. Banco Central generally runs deficits principally due to interest payments on short-term monetary bills and deposits of the financial sector net of remunerated assets, and its own operational costs.

On December 17, 2020, Banco Central published revised figures on GDP and national accounts, updating the base year of such calculations from 2005 to 2016. See “Introduction.” The information presented in this section is based on 2016 GDP prices.

 

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The following table sets forth a summary of public sector accounts (calculated on a cash basis) and as a percentage of GDP for the periods indicated.

Public Sector Finances

(in millions of US$ and % of total GDP)

 

    2017     2018     2019     2020(1)     2021(1)  

NON-MONETARY PUBLIC SECTOR REVENUES

  US$ 17,728       27.6   US$ 18,646       28.9   US$ 17,289       28.3   US$ 15,004       28.0   US$ 16,595       28.0

Central government

    12,587       19.6       12,907       20.0       11,864       19.4       10,607       19.8       11,744       19.8  

Value-added taxes

    5,489       8.5       5,454       8.5       5,160       8.4       4,677       8.7       5,346       9.0  

Income taxes (corporate and personal)

    4,080       6.3       4,240       6.6       3,926       6.4       3,483       6.5       3,845       6.5  

Taxes on capital

    663       1.0       700       1.1       682       1.1       600       1.1       633       1.1  

Other taxes on goods and services

    1,604       2.5       1,571       2.4       1,463       2.4       1,306       2.4       1,442       2.4  

Tax credit certificates

    (1,244     (1.9     (1,259     (2.0     (1,307     (2.1     (1,171     (2.2     (1,373     (2.3

Foreign trade taxes

    600       0.9       679       1.1       627       1.0       549       1.0       691       1.2  

Others

    1,396       2.2       1,523       2.4       1,313       2.1       1,163       2.2       1,159       2.0  

Social Security Revenues (BPS)(2)

    4,591       7.1       5,302       8.2       4,946       8.1       3,879       7.2       3,979       6.7  

Public Enterprises Primary Balance

    550       0.9       437       0.7       478       0.8       518       1.0       872       1.5  

NON-MONETARY PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY EXPENDITURES

  US$ 17,786       27.7   US$ 18,226       28.3   US$ 17,627       28.8   US$ 16,176       30.2   US$ 17,121       28.9

Central government - Banco de Previsión Social (“BPS”) Current Primary Expenditure

    16,555       25.8       16,902       26.2       16,226       26.5       15,110       28.2       16,028       27.0  

Wages and salaries

    3,106       4.8       3,183       4.9       3,105       5.1       2,803       5.2       2,865       4.8  

Non personnel expenditures

    2,188       3.4       2,270       3.5       2,206       3.6       2,119       4.0       2,654       4.5  

Pension payments

    5,952       9.3       6,061       9.4       5,815       9.5       5,375       10.0       5,593       9.4  

Transfers

    5,309       8.3       5,388       8.4       5,101       8.3       4,813       9.0       4,916       8.3  

Investment

    1,231       1.9       1,324       1.4       1,401       2.3       1,066       2.0       1,093       1.8  

Central Government

    784       1.2       875       1.4       828       1.4       681       1.3       666       1.1  

Pubic Enterprises

    448       0.7       449       0.7       573       0.9       386       0.7       427       0.7  

Local Governments Primary Balance(3)

    43       0.1       29       —         (40     (0.1     38       0.1       79       0.1  

Banco de Seguros del Estado (BSE) Primary Balance

    (65     (0.1     (90     (0.1     73       0.1       6       —         113       0.2  

Central Government-BPS Primary Balance

    (160     (0.2     432       0.7       (244     (0.4     (1,305     (2.4     (970     (1.6

NON-MONETARY PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY BALANCE

  US$ (79     (0.1 )%    US$ 360       0.6   US$ (305     (0.5 )%    US$ (1,128     (2.1 )%    US$ (334     (0.7 )% 

Banco Central Primary Balance

    (45     (0.1     (49     (0.1     (34     (0.1     (1     —         (23     —    

PUBLIC SECTOR PRIMARY BALANCE

  US$ (125     (0.2 )%    US$ 311       0.5   US$ (339     (0.6 )%    US$ (1,130     (2.1 )%    US$ (357     (0.7 )% 

Interest Payments

    1,947       3.0       2,041       3.2       1,642       2.7       1,632       3.0       1,752       3.0  

Central government

    1,604       2.5       1,673       2.6       1,473       2.4       1,428       2.7       1,292       2.2  

Public Enterprises

    91       0.1       95       0.1       95       0.2       82       0.2       78       0.1  

Local Governments

    2       —         —         —         —         —         —         —           —    

Banco Central

    415       0.6       474       0.7       260       0.4       263       0.5       537       0.9  

Banco de Seguros del Estado

    (166     (0.3     (201     (0.3     (186     (0.3     (141     (0.3     (154     (0.3

Central Government-BPS Overall Balance

    (1,765     (2.7     (1,241     (1.9     (1,717     (2.8     (2,733     (5.1     (2,263     (3.8

PUBLIC SECTOR OVERALL BALANCE (SURPLUS/(DEFICIT))

  US$ (2,072     (3.2 )%    US$ (1,730     (2.7 )%    US$ (1,981     (3.2 )%    US$ (2,762     (5.2 )%    US$ (2,110     (3.7 )% 

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Data for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 includes extraordinary revenues from transfers into the public Social Security Trust Fund. These inflows are associated with the enactment of a law introducing changes to the Uruguayan social security system. See “Fiscal Policy—Social Security.”

(3)

Primary balance by funding sources (Source: Banco Central).

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance based on Tesorería General de la Nación, Contaduría General de la Nación, Banco de Previsión Social, Oficina de Planeamiento y Presupuesto and Banco Central.

In 2017, the public sector overall balance registered a deficit of US$2.1 billion (3.2% of GDP). The public sector primary balance registered a deficit of US$125 million (0.2% of GDP). Non-monetary public sector primary expenditures in 2017 totaled US$17.8 billion, an increase of 0.3% of GDP compared to 2016, mainly due to an

 

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increase in pension payments. Non-financial public sector revenues in 2017 totaled US$17.7 billion, an increase of 0.6% of GDP compared to 2016, mainly as a result of higher tax collections following the fiscal consolidation measures implemented during 2017 and increasing social security revenues, which were partially offset by lower revenues derived from public utilities. Further, non-monetary public sector investment in 2017 decreased by 0.3% of GDP, mainly as a result of a decrease in investments by public enterprises.

In 2018, the public sector overall balance registered a deficit of US$1.7 billion (2.7% of GDP). This decrease in the overall deficit compared to 2017 includes inflows estimated at 1.2% of GDP associated with the enactment of a new law introducing changes to the Uruguayan social security system, as described below. See “Fiscal Policy—Social Security.” Disregarding these extraordinary revenues, the public sector overall balance in 2018 reflects a deficit increase equal to 0.7% of GDP when compared to 2017. The public sector primary balance registered a surplus of US$311 million (0.5% of GDP). Non-monetary public sector primary expenditures in 2018 totaled US$18.2 billion, an increase of 0.6% of GDP compared to 2017, mainly due to an increase in pension payments. Non-monetary public sector revenues in 2018 totaled US$18.6 billion, an increase of 1.3% of GDP compared to 2017, mainly as a result of the transfers to the FSS pursuant to the Cincuentones Law, as described above, and, to a lesser extent, higher tax collections, an increase in revenues from foreign trade and the transfers from the Energy Stabilization Fund to the Treasury. The Energy Stabilization Fund was established in 2010 as part of the government’s long-term management of the results of operations of the state-owned enterprises to reduce the impact of droughts affecting hydro-generation and increasing UTE’s electricity generation costs, and to mitigate the need to introduce abrupt rate adjustments affecting consumers. If the Energy Stabilization Fund’s assets exceed the fund’s annual coverage target (Valor Objetivo de Cobertura del Fondo), the government may require the fund to transfer such excess assets to the Treasury.

In 2019, the public sector overall balance registered a deficit of US$2.0 billion (3.2% of GDP). This increase in the overall deficit compared to 2018 includes inflows estimated at 1.2% of GDP to the FSS pursuant to the Cincuentones Law. The public sector primary balance registered a deficit of US$339 million (0.6% of GDP). Non-monetary public sector primary expenditures in 2019 totaled US$17.6 billion, an increase of 0.5% of GDP compared to 2018, mainly due to an increase in pension payments and wages and salaries. Non-monetary public sector revenues in 2019 totaled US$17.3 billion, a decrease of 0.7% of GDP compared to 2018, mainly as a result of lower tax collections and social security revenues.

In 2020, the public sector overall balance registered a deficit of US$2.8 billion (5.2% of GDP). Excluding inflows into the public social security trust fund estimated at 0.7% of GDP, Uruguay’s overall public sector deficit stood at 5.9% of GDP in 2020, compared to 4.4% of GDP in 2019. The public sector primary balance registered a deficit of US$1.1 billion (2.1% of GDP). Non-monetary public sector primary expenditures in 2020 totaled US$16.2 billion, an increase of 1.4% of GDP compared to 2019, mainly due to an increase in transfers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-monetary public sector revenues in 2020 totaled US$15.0 billion, a decrease of 0.2% of GDP compared to 2019, mainly as a result of lower social security revenues.

In 2021, the public sector overall balance registered a deficit of US$2.1 billion (3.7% of GDP). Excluding inflows into the public social security trust fund estimated at 0.4% of GDP, Uruguay’s overall public sector deficit stood at 4.1% of GDP in 2021, compared to 5.9% of GDP in 2020. The public sector primary balance registered a deficit of US$357 million (0.7% of GDP). Non-monetary public sector primary expenditures in 2021 totaled US$17.1 billion, a decrease of 1.4% of GDP compared to 2020, mainly due to a decrease in wages and salaries, pension payments and transfers. Non-monetary public sector revenues in 2021 totaled US$16.6 billion, a decrease of 0.1% of GDP compared to 2020, mainly as a result of lower social security revenues.

In 2021, Uruguay’s central government-BPS deficit represented approximately 3.8% of GDP. Excluding inflows into the public social security trust fund estimated at 0.4% of GDP, Uruguay’s central government-BPS deficit stood at 4.3% of GDP in 2021, below the target of 4.9% of GDP included in the 2020 Budget Law submitted to Congress in June 2021. Primary expenditures from the central government-BPS increased 1.7% in real terms in 2021. Excluding expenses associated with the health emergency, expenditures decreased 1.2% in real terms.

Uruguay’s central government-BPS revenues represented approximately 26.5% of GDP in 2021, decreasing 0.6 percentage points of GDP compared to 2020. In 2021, total revenues of Central Government-BPS increased by 4.4% in real terms, mainly due to an increase in tax revenues. In particular, real gross tax collection increased 7.1% in 2021.

 

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Uruguay’s central government-BPS primary expenditures stood at 28.1% of GDP in 2021, decreasing by 1.4 percentage points of GDP compared to 2020. The decrease was almost entirely associated with decreases in all expenses, except for non-personnel expenses, to address the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The following table sets forth the composition of the government’s tax revenues for the periods indicated:

Composition of Tax Revenues

 

     2017     2018     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

Value-added taxes (VAT)

     49.1     47.9     49.0     49.7     50.4

Income taxes (corporate and personal)

     36.5       37.2       37.3       37.0       36.2  

Taxes on capital

     5.9       6.1       6.5       6.4       6.0  

Other taxes on goods and services

     14.2       13.8       13.6       13.6       13.8  

Tax certificates

     (11.1     (11.1     (12.4     (12.4     (12.9
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign trade taxes

     5.4       6.0       6.0       5.8       6.5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Value-added taxes on manufactured products are levied at scheduled rates at each stage of the production and distribution process. Most products and services are taxed at a rate of 22%, while certain basic goods, including most basic foodstuffs, are taxed at a lower rate of 10%, and certain other products and services, including securities, precious metals and export services, are exempt from value-added tax. Excise taxes are levied at scheduled rates on automobiles, gasoline, certain beverages, tobacco, cosmetics and certain other products. The corporate income tax in Uruguay is currently levied at a flat rate of 25.0%, taxing all corporate profits of Uruguayan source. Personal income taxes are assessed on a progressive scale, covering revenues of Uruguayan source, with rates ranging from 10% to 36%. Retirees are subject to personal income tax at a reduced rate. For fiscal year 2022, personal income below Ps.433,776 per annum (equivalent to approximately US$9,705 as of December 31, 2021) is exempt from personal income taxes. Import and export taxes are based on published tariff schedules.

The following table sets forth public sector borrowings and repayments for the periods indicated.

Public Sector Borrowings and Repayments (1)

(in millions of US$ and % of total GDP)

 

     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021  

Monetary liabilities(2)

   US$ (134     (0.2 )%    US$ 291       0.4   US$ 138       0.2   US$ 198       0.4   US$ (37     (0.1 )% 

Treasury bonds & bills

     5,611       8.7       747       1.2       (353     (0.6     3,452       6.5       1,969       3.3  

Loans(3)

     (140     (0.2     244       0.4       135       0.2       819       1.5       1,113       1.9  

Net deposits(4)

     (828     (1.3     165       0.3       1,229       2.0       (267     (0.5     209       0.4  

Net international reserves

     (2,441     (3.8     407       0.6       1,085       1.8       (1,583     (3.0     (739     (1.3

Other(5)

     16       —         (108     (0.2     (216     (0.3     67       0.1       (326     (0.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net borrowing requirements

   US$ 2,084       3.2   US$ 1,745       2.7   US$ 2,028       3.3   US$ 2,686       5.0   US$ 2,189       3.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Represents aggregate borrowings in year indicated less aggregate repayments for such year. Negative numbers represent net repayments by the Public Sector, while positive numbers mean net borrowings by the Public Sector. The overall balance reflects the Net Borrowing Requirements of the Public Sector.

(2)

Monetary Liabilities include Monetary Base, Call and reserve deposits in pesos and Treasury Bills in pesos.

(3)

“Loans” includes both domestic and foreign loans. Since August 2002 includes loans related to the FESB.

(4)

“Net deposits” means deposits by public sector with banking sector net of credits.

(5)

“Other” includes the fluctuations in the remaining assets and liabilities of the Non-Financial Public Sector and Banco Central.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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FISCAL POLICY

2020-2024 Budget

The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Office of Budget and Planning are responsible for the preparation of the budget of the central government and a report on the budget prepared by the judiciary, the public education system and certain other agencies, which are submitted to Congress every five years for its approval.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance presents an annual report on the government’s fiscal performance to Congress, at which time the budget may be updated and adjusted. The Constitution expressly forbids the executive from requesting, and Congress from passing, expenditure increases during an election year or in the year immediately following. Once Congress has approved the budget and appropriated monies for the different public expenditures, the Ministry of Economy and Finance provides funds to certain agencies of the central government and monitors expenditures. The Ministry of Economy and Finance also has the authority to review the budgets submitted for approval by the financial and non-financial public sector institutions. Municipal governments prepare their own budgets, which are reviewed by their municipal legislative councils. Congress has the authority to resolve any disputes on the budgetary process between the financial and non-financial public sector institutions and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and between the municipal governments and the municipal legislative councils.

In August, 2020, the government submitted the five-year budget bill for the 2020-2024 period to Congress, which approved it in December 2020. The budget was based on certain macroeconomic assumptions and policy objectives related to the sustainability of public finances, macroeconomic stability, economic growth and social achievements. The budget lays the foundations for changes in fiscal policy decision-making and execution, in order to stabilize the ratio of debt to GDP and foster sustainable finances over the medium-term. Commitment to meeting fiscal targets is anchored on a new fiscal framework and the five-year budget that seeks to contain public sector expenditure.

The budget establishes a fiscal rule based on structural balance targets, to account for business cycle fluctuations and one-off/temporary spending and revenue items, together with a cap on real growth in primary expenditures in line with potential real economic growth. Additionally, a Fiscal Advisory Council and a Committee of Experts, is expected to provide the projected GDP numbers and other macroeconomic assumptions underlying the calculation of the structural fiscal result and assess the overall implementation of the fiscal rule.

The 2020-2024 Budget Law introduced a new rule-based fiscal framework, which includes a cap to annual incurrence of net indebtedness. For 2021, the legal limit is set at US$2,300 million (significantly lower than the cap of US$3,500 million set for 2020). This borrowing framework also includes a safeguard clause, with a limited and clearly defined set of events that can trigger it (such as severe economic downturns, substantial changes in relative prices, states of emergency or nationwide disasters). When invoked, the clause allows for up to an additional 30% increase of the baseline net indebtedness amount authorized (for 2021, the augmented limit is equivalent to US$2,990 million). On July 7, 2021, the government communicated to Congress its decision to activate the safeguard clause to provide the additional budgetary resources required to address the economic and social impact of COVID-19.

In terms of budget allocation, education, infrastructure and public safety are the most important program areas of the 2020-2024 budget. Proposed governmental actions in support of these program areas include:

 

   

achieving high-quality public education through broadening access to education, committing to innovation and promoting scientific and technological knowledge;

 

   

repairing and maintaining road infrastructure, as well as extending the road network;

 

   

designing and executing public safety policies, professionalizing law enforcement and improving police personnel’s working conditions and remuneration;

 

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promoting public-private partnerships to undertake a broad range of investments in logistics and infrastructure, aimed at consolidating Uruguay as a regional logistics hub; and

 

   

implementing human resource policies (related to income, mobility and training of public officials) that target innovation, by establishing variable performance-based salaries.

The 2020 Rendición de Cuentas included measures designed by the government to control discretionary primary spending not related to COVID-19, and contemplated the implementation of two social programs that address (a) child poverty, from 0 to 3 years-old and (b) housing for lower income families. The expense related to the support program for early childhood was estimated in US$50 million per year, while the expense related to the housing program was estimated between US$15 million and US$20 million per year. In addition, the 2020 Rendición de Cuentas provided for a tax on carbon dioxide emissions from gasoline use.

On July 9, 2020, Congress enacted a new fiscal rule into law as part of the Urgent Consideration Law. This fiscal rule is anchored on a structural fiscal result, limiting growth in the Central Government’s real primary spending based on the estimated long-term average (i.e., “potential”) growth of the economy, estimated at 2.1% for the period 2021-2030. Fiscal surpluses would be earmarked to a purported countercyclical fund to finance fiscal policies in recessionary economic cycles.

On September 29, 2021, the government established a technical, honorary and independent body composed of three members, tasked with assessing the overall implementation of the fiscal rule (the “Fiscal Advisory Council”).

On December 29, 2021, the government created the committee of experts (the “Expert Committee”), comprised of eleven members representing universities, consulting firms and think tanks. The Expert Committee is tasked with providing technical parameters to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, used for the calculations and projections of the structural fiscal balance.

Social Security

Until 1995, Uruguay’s social security system was a government administered defined-benefit “pay-as-you-go” system, financed by a combination of contributions from employees, employers and the government. As the ratio of retirees to active workers increased, the government had to increase its contributions to cover the system’s growing structural deficit.

In September 1995, Congress enacted legislation proposed by the government to reform the social security system. The main features of that legislation are:

 

   

complementing the defined-benefit “pay-as-you-go” system with a defined-contribution system designed to develop over the years in which a portion of each worker’s contribution is deposited in individual investment accounts;

 

   

increasing the minimum number of work years for eligibility of benefits to 35 years;

 

   

making the defined-contribution system mandatory for those forty years old or younger; and

 

   

producing incentives for workers to continue working past the minimum retirement age by increasing benefits according to a formula based on age of retirement and number of years worked.

Individual contributions under the defined-contribution system are administered and invested by pension fund administrators. The regulatory framework for pension fund administrators was adopted in the first quarter of 1996 and four pension fund administrators (three private firms and one state-owned firm) are in operation. Pension fund administrators were required to invest 80% of their holdings in Uruguayan government bonds during their first year of operation. Since then, they have been permitted to decrease these holdings by 5% to 10% per year up to a minimum investment requirement of 30%, requiring at the same time a maximum limit of 60%. Since 2010 the maximum limits on both Uruguayan government bonds (60%) and Banco Central notes (30%) have been merged into an individual limit of 90%, which converged to 75% in 2015. The lower limit has been abandoned.

 

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The reform also established a system that allows the tracking of each individual’s contributions, which is essential for improving the administration of contributions and pension benefits. The operations of Uruguay’s social security administration and the state-owned pension fund administration were also modernized and decentralized. Because the social security system continued to operate with a substantial defined-benefit “pay-as-you-go” system, these reforms were not expected to provide a short-term solution to the structural deficit of Uruguay’s social security system, but were intended to reduce the deficit over time. In addition, the reforms were expected to induce savings and enhance the development of a domestic securities market.

In December 2017, Congress enacted legislation (the “Cincuentones Law”) allowing certain workers and retirees aged over fifty as of April 1, 2016, to change their affiliation from the individual capitalization pension scheme, which is managed by pension funds that manage contributions (“Administradoras de Fondos de Ahorro Previsional or “AFAPs”) and insurance companies that pay out pensions in annuities, to the public social security “pay-as-you-go” scheme which is managed by the Banco de Prevision Social (the “BPS”). The government estimated that between 28,000 to 70,000 workers and retirees may change their affiliation through 2021. As of December 31, 2021, 35,752 workers and retirees had decided to change their affiliation from the individual capitalization pension scheme to the public social security “pay-as-you-go” scheme.

The amounts so transferred and invested are held in a trust (the “Social Security Trust” or “FSS”) that has the BPS as its beneficiary, which will be ring-fenced until 2024 and will then be used gradually to pay for these additional pensions over a 20-year period. In accordance with the 2014 IMF Government Finance Statistics Manual, (i) all transactions related to the FSS are treated as transactions of the BPS and therefore the transfers into the FSS have been reflected as revenues in the central government’s fiscal balance, reducing the fiscal deficit, (ii) to the extent that some of these savings are transferred from AFAPs to the BPS in the form of government securities, such transfer results in a reduction in gross total public sector debt, and (iii) these and any future savings transferred to the BPS will not materially reduce public financing needs due to the FSS being ring-fenced for six years.

Starting October 2018, the AFAPs and insurance companies began transferring to the BPS the contributions of workers and retirees who elected to change their affiliation. These transactions were recorded and reported by the authorities in the relevant sections of fiscal accounts. In the medium term, pension fund liabilities assumed by BPS pursuant to this legislation may exceed accumulated revenues from transfers from the AFAPs and insurance companies, to the detriment of the government’s balance sheet.

As of March, 2021, 34,101 workers and retirees had changed their affiliation. Pursuant to the Cincuentones Law, the accumulated savings of workers and retirees that elect to change to the public social security scheme are transferred to the BPS.

The period for the last cohort of eligible workers to schedule an interview to receive advice from the Social Security Bank, in order to decide to change their affiliation from the individual capitalization pension scheme to the public social security “pay-as-you-go” scheme expired on March 31, 2021 and, therefore, eligible workers and retirees are no longer allowed to change their affiliation.

 

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Social Security Reform

The number of Uruguayans over the age of 65 has increased during the last two decades. The following table sets forth historical and projected information regarding Uruguayans aged 65 to 79 years and those aged 80 years and above, for the periods indicated.

 

     Uruguayans Above Retirement Age  
     1975      1985      2000      2010      2025      2050  

65-79 years

     226,034        268,154        336,526        341,247        414,212        563,315  

80 years and above

     46,782        60,736        98,459        124,152        148,459        262,716  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     272,816        328,890        434,985        465,399        562,671        826,031  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Source: National Statistics Institute.

The increase in the number of Uruguayans above retirement age raises concerns regarding the consequent increased burden on the social security system.

On November 5, 2020, the Committee of Experts on Social Security (“CESS”), which was created in July 2020 with the enactment of the Urgent Consideration Law, began its analysis of the Uruguayan social security system to present recommendations for its reform to the government. The CESS is comprised of fifteen members appointed by the Executive Power. They have expertise in social security, demographic, economic and legal matters, among others. The composition of the CESS reflects the diversity of views regarding social security issues, both from social organizations and political parties.

On March 24, 2021, the CESS submitted a diagnostic report to the Executive Power and Congress. On November 24, 2021, the CESS submitted a recommendation report for the reform of the Uruguayan pension system to the Executive Power and Congress. As of the date of this annual report, the Executive Power and Congress had not taken any action following such recommendation report.

 

D-86


PUBLIC SECTOR DEBT

Central Government Debt

Law No. 19,924, enacted on December 18, 2020, constitutes the legal framework for public indebtedness (the “Public Sector Debt Law”). The Public Sector Debt Law establishes the maximum net indebtedness that the central government may incur for any given year. This borrowing framework also includes a safeguard clause with a limited and clearly defined set of events that can trigger it (such as severe economic downturns, substantial changes in relative prices, states of emergency or nationwide disasters). When invoked, the clause allows for up to an additional 30% increase of the baseline net indebtedness amount authorized.

For 2021, the net borrowing limit was originally set at US$2,300 million. On August 3, 2021, the central government invoked the safeguard clause due to the effects of the COVID-pandemic, thus increasing the net borrowing limit by 30% to US$2,990 million. For 2022, the legal limit set by law is US$2,100 million.

In 2021, the central government’s accumulated net indebtedness totaled US$2.6 billion, below the augmented legal limit set for the year:

Central Government’s Annual Net Indebtedness

(in millions of US$)

 

     As of December 31,
2021
(1)
 

Gross Indebtedness

   US$ 4,782  

Disbursements from Multilaterals and Financial Institutions

     659  

Total Issuance of Market Debt

     4,123  

Amortizations of Market Debt and Loans

     2,208  

Market Debt

     2,056  

Loans from Multilaterals and Financial Institutions

     151  

Change in Financial Assets

     11  

Net Indebtedness

   US$ 2,563  

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance.

As of December 31, 2021, the central government gross debt stood at 59.6% of GDP, while the central government’s net debt stood at 55.1% of GDP.

The following table sets forth information regarding the debt of the central government outstanding as of the dates indicated.

 

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Central Government Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     As of December 31,  
     2017     2018     2019     2020     2021(1)  

Gross Debt(2)

   US$ 28,664     US$ 29,383     US$ 29,838     US$ 32,879     US$ 35,498  

Of which

          

(% in foreign currency)

     49     54     56     54     53

(% in local currency)

     51     46     44     46     47

Of which

          

Nominal

     13     10     9     6     7

CPI-linked

     34     31     28     31     30

Wage-linked

     4     5     7     9     10

Average maturity (in years)

     13.0       13.8       14.0       13.5       12.9  

Net Debt

   US$ 25,341     US$ 26,285     US$ 27,702     US$ 30,167     US$ 32,814  

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

Debt figures include all loans entered into, and financial market securities issued by, the central government in domestic and foreign currency, in both local and international markets, and held by private, multilateral, and/or other domestic or foreign public sector entities. Debt figures include central government securities held by the Social Security Trust Fund, and exclude non-market central government securities issued to capitalize Banco Central.

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance.

In 2017, the central government issued peso-denominated and peso-denominated CPI-linked treasury notes for an aggregate principal amount equivalent to US$706 million.

In 2018, the central government issued peso-denominated treasury notes linked to the average nominal wage index and CPI-linked treasury notes for an aggregate principal amount equivalent to US$1.6 billion. This includes US$694 million issued under a joint liability management operation with Banco Central conducted in November 2018, pursuant to which investors tendered short term securities of Banco Central and the central government in exchange for peso-denominated treasury notes linked to the average nominal wage index and CPI-linked treasury notes with longer maturity.

In 2019, the central government issued peso-denominated treasury notes linked to the average nominal wage index and CPI-linked treasury notes for an aggregate principal amount equivalent to US$1.3 billion. This includes US$499.1 million issued under a joint liability management transaction with Banco Central conducted in May 2019. Pursuant to this transaction, investors tendered short-term Banco Central and central government securities in exchange for peso-denominated treasury notes linked to the average nominal wage index and CPI-linked treasury notes with a longer maturity.

In 2020, the central government issued peso-denominated treasury notes in the domestic market (linked to both the nominal wage index and CPI-linked) for a total principal amount equivalent to US$2.6 billion. These notes include the equivalent of US$949.2 million peso-denominated treasury notes issued under a joint liability management transaction with Banco Central executed in January 2020. Pursuant to this transaction, investors tendered short-term Banco Central and central government securities in exchange for peso-denominated treasury notes linked to the average nominal wage index and CPI-linked treasury notes with a longer maturity.

In 2021, the central government issued peso-denominated treasury notes in the domestic market (linked to both the nominal wage index and CPI-linked) for a total principal amount equivalent to US$1.9 billion.

The following table sets forth information regarding Uruguay’s central government liquid assets and credit lines available on the dates indicated.

 

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Liquid Assets and Available Credit Lines

(in millions of US$)

 

     As of December 31,  
     2017      2018      2019      2020      2021(1)  

Total Financial Assets

   US$ 3,324      US$ 3,097      US$ 2,136      US$ 2,712      US$ 2,684  

Of which

              

Liquid Assets(2)

     2,230        2,132        1,213        1,582        1,611  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Credit lines with multilateral organizations

   US$ 2,418      US$ 2,434      US$ 2,191      US$ 1,415      US$ 1,865  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

Financial assets of the central government that are not otherwise committed to a specific application.

Source: Ministry of Economy and Finance.

On April 6, 2016, the Comité de Coordinación Macroeconómica (Macroeconomic Coordination Committee), comprised of the Minister of Economy and Finance and the Board of Directors of Banco Central, approved the establishment of the Comité de Coordinación de Deuda Pública (Public Debt Coordination Committee, or the “PDCC”). The PDCC is co-chaired by the Director of the Debt Management Unit of the Ministry of Economy and Finance and by Banco Central’s Manager of Economic Policy and Markets. Its main goal is to coordinate and cooperate in the effective implementation of the debt strategies of the government and Banco Central, taking into account the policy objectives, instruments and legal duties of each institution. This framework for cooperation between institutions follows international best practices developed by the World Bank and aims for the development of domestic markets, management of the public sector consolidated balance sheet and potential risk-mitigating strategies for publicly-owned companies.

Public Sector Debt

The following table sets forth information regarding total gross public sector debt as of the dates indicated.

Total Gross Public Sector Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     As of December 31,  
     2017      2018      2019(1)      2020(1)      2021(1)  

Gross public sector external debt

   US$ 17,410      US$ 17,896      US$ 18,950      US$ 20,759      US$ 21,857  

Gross public sector domestic debt(2)

     21,477        20,565        18,309        19,164        20,542  

Banco Central

     7,457        6,973        5,857        6,207        6,128  

Non-financial public sector

     14,019        13,592        12,453        12,957        14,413  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross public sector debt(3)

   US$ 38,887      US$ 38,461      US$ 37,259      US$ 39,923      US$ 42,399  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Public debt with Uruguayan residents excluding Treasury bonds held by the public sector.

(3) 

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

Historically, deposits of the non-financial public sector held with Uruguay’s banking system were deducted from Uruguay’s gross public sector debt. According to the reporting methodology adopted by the government in March 2013 following the criteria used by the IMF and the World Bank, deposits of the non-financial public sector held with Uruguay’s banking system are not deducted from Uruguay’s gross public sector debt and are recorded as non-financial public sector assets. Uruguayan statistics are consistent with statistics published by other countries that follow the IMF and the World Bank’s methodology. Figures for previous years have been restated following this methodology.

 

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Domestic Debt

Uruguay defines domestic debt as all peso-denominated debt and foreign currency-denominated debt of the central government, local governments, public sector enterprises and Banco Central known to be held by Uruguayan residents.

The following table sets forth information regarding the stock of gross public sector domestic debt of the government outstanding on the dates indicated.

Gross Public Sector Domestic Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     As of December 31,  
     2017      2018      2019(1)      2020(1)      2021(1)  

Treasury bonds(2)

   US$ 12,648      US$ 12,257      US$ 11,208      US$ 11,711      US$ 13,234  

Other liabilities(3)

     8,829        8,308        7,101        7,453        7,308  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(4)

   US$ 21,477      US$ 20,565      US$ 18,309      US$ 19,164      US$ 20,542  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Includes foreign and local currency-denominated Treasury bonds and Eurobonds.

(3)

Includes Credits net of Deposits (a net concept) and Brady Bonds.

(4)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

The following table sets forth information regarding the amortization of Uruguay’s gross public sector domestic debt in the periods indicated.

Amortization of Gross Public Sector Domestic Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     Outstanding
as of
December 31,
2021
(1)
     2022      2023      2024      2025      2026      2027      2028      2029 to
Final
Maturity
 

Treasury bonds(2)

     13,234        1,149        986        1,024        1,357        819        584        842        6,472  

Other liabilities(3)

     7,308        5,976        581        140        140        175        74        38        182  

Total(4)

   US$  20,542      US$  7,125      US$  1,568      US$  1,165      US$  1,497      US$  994      US$  659      US$  880      US$  6,654  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Includes foreign and local currency-denominated Treasury bonds and Eurobonds.

(3)

Includes Credits net of Deposits (a net concept) and Brady Bonds.

(4)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

External Debt

Uruguay’s total gross public sector external debt consists of all debt of the central government, local governments, public sector enterprises and Banco Central not known to be held by Uruguayan residents, which is denominated either in domestic or foreign currencies. Gross public sector external debt totaled US$17.4 billion (or 27.1% of GDP) as of December 2017, US$17.9 billion (or 27.8% of GDP) as of December 2018, US$19.0 billion (or 31.0% of GDP) as of December 2019, US$20.8 billion (or 38.8% of GDP) as of December 2020, and US$21.9 billion (or 36.9% of GDP) as of December 2021.

The interest expense on Uruguay’s gross public sector external debt in 2021 represented 1.6% of GDP.

As of December 31, 2021, Uruguay’s gross public sector external debt comprised direct loans to the central government in the amount of approximately US$4.2 billion and public securities in an outstanding aggregate amount of approximately US$15.5 billion.

 

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Total Gross Public Sector External Debt

(in millions of US$, except percentages)

 

     As of December 31,  
     2017     2018     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

Public sector:

          

Financial public sector (Banco Central)

   US$ 812     US$ 534     US$ 508     US$ 746     US$ 1,094  

Non-financial public sector

     16,598       17,362       18,442       20,013       20,763  

Of which:

          

Treasury notes and bonds

     12,810       13,395       14,389       15,076       15,476  

Total(2)

   US$ 17,410     US$ 17,896     US$ 18,950     US$ 20,759     US$ 21,857  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total gross public sector external debt/GDP

     27.1     27.8     31.0     38.8     36.9

Total public sector external debt/exports

     103.4     104.8     110.9     152.7     115.8

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

In recent years, Uruguay accessed the international capital markets repeatedly in connection with the implementation of its financing and liability management strategies. The liability management transactions contribute to reduce refinancing risk and have allowed Uruguay to reduce its ongoing debt service requirements. See “—Debt Service and Debt Restructuring.”

Gross Public Sector External Debt, By Creditor

(in millions of US$ at period end)

 

     2017      2018(1)      2019(1)      2020(1)      2021(1)  

Multilateral organizations:

              

IBRD (World Bank)

   US$ 817      US$ 808      US$ 1,107      US$ 1,110      US$ 1,457  

IDB

     1,671        1,939        1,672        2,744        2,742  

IMF(2)

     418        408        406        422        986  

Other

     759        724        669        681        639  

Total multilateral organizations

     3,665        3,879        3,854        4,957        5,824  

Bilateral creditors

     160        144        139        139        108  

Commercial banks

     168        130        108        88        74  

Other non-resident institutions

     13,203        13,520        14,491        15,399        15,583  

Of which:

              

Treasury bonds

     12,810        13,395        14,389        15,076        15,476  

Suppliers

     214        223        358        174        268  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(3)

   US$ 17,410      US$ 17,896      US$ 18,950      US$ 20,759      US$ 21,857  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2)

Corresponds to a general allocation of funds to all members approved by the IMF, pursuant to which Uruguay received SDR227 million (approximately US$ 355.5 million) in August 2009, SDR 16 million (approximately US$25.3 million) in September 2009, and an additional SDR 411 million (approximately US$583 million) in August 2021.

(3)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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The following table sets forth public sector external debt denominated in foreign currency, by currency as of the date indicated.

Summary of Public Sector External Debt Denominated By Currency (1)

(in millions of US$, except percentages)

 

     As of December 31,
2021
     %  

Uruguayan pesos

   US$ 3,534        16.2

U.S. dollars

     15,561        71.2

Euros

     89        0.4

Japanese yen

     1,154        5.3

SDRs

     988        4.5

Other

     532        2.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(2)

   US$ 21,857        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Foreign currency composition is defined on a contractual basis and does not reflect adjustments for foreign exchange swap operations.

(2)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

The following table sets forth the total public sector external debt, net of international reserve assets and certain other non-financial public sector and Banco Central assets, as of the dates indicated.

Total Public Sector External Debt, Net of International Reserve Assets

(in millions of US$)

 

     As of December 31,  
     2017     2018(1)     2019(1)     2020(1)     2021(1)  

Total gross public sector external debt(2)

   US$ 17,410     US$ 17,896     US$ 18,950     US$ 20,759     US$ 21,857  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less external assets:

          

Non-financial public sector

     86       144       342       202       209  

Banco Central

     16,856       16,498       15,505       17,425       18,173  

Of which:

          

Banco Central international reserve assets(2)

     15,963 (3)      15,557 (4)      14,505 (5)      16,217 (6)      16,953 (7) 

Other assets

     894       940       1,001       1,208       1,220  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total public sector external debt, net of reserve assets(8)

   US$ 467     US$ 1,254     US$ 3,103     US$ 3,131     US$ 3,475  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Gold valued for each period at London market prices at end of period.

(3) 

This amount includes US$5,548 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$2,474 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(4) 

This amount includes US$5,378 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$2,576 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(5) 

This amount includes US$5,744 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$2,691 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(6) 

This amount includes US$6,479 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$2,922 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(7) 

This amount includes US$6,963 million of reserves and voluntary deposits of the Uruguayan banking system, including US$3,253 million of public sector financial institutions, with Banco Central.

(8)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

Uruguay’s public sector external debt is held by a variety of multilateral, bilateral and private commercial bank creditors, as well as a large number of non-resident institutions and individuals. Public sector external debt accounted for 45% at December 31, 2017, 47% at December 31, 2018, 51% at December 31, 2019, 52% at December 31, 2020 and 52% at December 31, 2021.

 

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Since the reprofiling of its foreign currency-denominated debt in 2003, Uruguay has deployed a liability management strategy that has allowed it to extend the average life of its outstanding debt and reduce overall interest expenses.

Multilateral Financing

Multilateral and regional financial institutions have been one of Uruguay’s frequent sources of external financing.

In April 2016, Uruguay’s central government executed a US$250 million credit line with IDB, increasing Uruguay’s contingent funding from the IDB to US$800 million.

In May 2018, a US$260.0 million fast disbursing credit line with the World Bank matured and was not renewed, decreasing Uruguay’s ’s central government aggregate contingent financing facilities with the World Bank from US$520.0 million to US$260.0 million.

In 2020, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uruguay received US$1.1 billion from IDB loans, of which US$800 million correspond to disbursements from pre-approved credit lines granted for contingency financing.

As of December 31, 2021, the credit lines available to Uruguay’s central government from CAF, FLAR (Latin American Reserve Fund), and the IDB, granted Uruguay access to contingency financing of approximately US$1.9 billion.

In addition to the issuance of debt in the international markets, Uruguay expects to continue to seek the support of the World Bank, the IDB, CAF and other regional financial institutions from time to time through lending programs available to finance structural reforms.

 

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Amortization of Gross Public Sector External Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     Outstanding
as of
December 31,
2021(1)
     2022      2023      2024      2025      2026      2027      2028      2029
to Final
Maturity
 

Central government

                          

Multilateral organizations

     4,136        199        246        376        395        402        386        405        1,726  

Bilateral creditors

     15        10        3        1        —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial banks

     49        10        10        1        1        1        1        1        24  

Treasury bonds

     15,476        406        207        530        420        525        543        604        12,239  

Other creditors

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Suppliers

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Total(2)

     19,675        626        467        909        816        928        931        1,010        13,989  

Banco Central

                          

Multilateral organizations

     986        —          —          —          —          —          —          —          986  

Bilateral creditors

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial banks(1)

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Banco Central bills

     108        108        —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Suppliers

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Total(2)

     1,094        108        —          —          —          —          —          —          986  

Non-Financial Public Enterprises

                          

Multilateral organizations

     702        40        41        30        55        79        64        43        350  

Bilateral creditors

     94        15        14        14        14        14        14        7        3  

Commercial banks

     25        12        12        —          —          —          —          —          —    

Suppliers

     268        268        —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Total(2)

     1,088        335        67        44        69        93        78        50        353  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(2)

   US$ 21,857      US$ 1,068      US$ 533      US$ 953      US$ 885      US$ 1,021      US$ 1,009      US$ 1,060      US$ 15,328  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

The following table sets forth information regarding total public sector external debt service for the periods indicated.

Total Public Sector External Debt Service(1)

(in millions of US$, except percentages)

 

     2017(2)     2018(2)     2019(2)     2020(2)     2021(2)  

Interest payments

   US$ 839     US$ 971     US$ 945     US$ 924     US$ 950  

Amortization

     1,491       1,226       2,298       2,309       1,478  

Total(3)

   US$ 2,330     US$ 2,197     US$ 3,243     US$ 3,233     US$ 2,428  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt service/exports of goods and services

     13.8     12.9     19.0     23.8     12.9

 

(1) 

Excludes interest on non-resident banking deposits.

(2) 

Preliminary data.

(3) 

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

 

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Total Public Sector Debt

The following tables set forth a list of Uruguayan public bonds issued and publicly held as of December 31, 2021.

Government Debt Securities Governed by Uruguayan Law

(in millions of US$)

 

Title

   Annual interest rate (%)     Date of final maturity      Amount
outstanding(1)(2)(3)
 

Matured, unredeemed bonds(4)

     Various       Various        5.8  

CPI-linked Treasury Notes

     Various       Various 2020/2030        4,640.3  

Nominal-wage (UP/UR) Treasury Notes

     Various       Various 2025/2044        3,577.0  

Nominal Peso Treasury Notes

     7.5     08/18/25        101.1  

 

(1) 

Valued at December 31, 2021.

(2) 

Preliminary data.

(3) 

Totals may differ due to rounding.

(4) 

Corresponds to amounts outstanding under certain bonds in certificated form that matured in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, which had not been redeemed by their holders as of December 31, 2021.

Source: Banco Central.

Government Debt Securities Governed By Foreign Law

(in millions of US$)

 

Title

   Annual interest rate (%)      Date of final
maturity
     Amount
outstanding(1)
 

USD Global Bond 2022

     8.0%        11/18/22        108.77  

USD Global Bond 2024

     4.5%        08/14/24        1,009.62  

USD Global Bond 2025

     6.9%        09/28/25        175.37  

USD Global Bond 2027

     7.9%        07/15/27        22.04  

USD Global Bond 2027

     4.4%        10/27/27        1,527.23  

USD Global Bond 2031

     4.4%        01/23/31        2,441.34  

USD Global Bond 2033

    
Max 7.875%; from 3.875%
+1% per annum until 2007

 
     01/15/33        840.60  

USD Global Bond 2036

     7.6%        03/21/36        1,056.64  

USD Global Bond 2045

     4.1%        11/20/45        731.36  

USD Global Bond 2050

     5.1%        06/18/50        3,947.00  

USD Global Bond 2055

     5.0%        04/20/55        2,587.58  

JPY Global Bond 2024

     0.52%        12/09/24        323.07  

JPY Global Bond 2026

     0.67%        12/09/26        3.47  

JPY Global Bond 2028

     0.84%        12/09/28        5.21  

JPY Global Bond 2031

     1.0%        12/09/31        3.47  

JPY Global Bond 2036

     1.32%        12/09/36        99.01  

Nominal Peso Global Bond 2022

     9.9%        06/20/22        363.17  

Nominal Peso Global Bond 2028

     8.5%        03/15/28        707.08  

Nominal Peso Global Bond 2031

     8.25%        05/21/31        1,148.50  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2027

     4.3%        09/14/27        698.01  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2028

     4.4%        12/15/28        1,640.45  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2030

     4.0%        07/10/30        932.91  

 

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Title

   Annual interest rate (%)      Date of final
maturity
     Amount
outstanding(1)
 

CPI-linked Global Bond 2037

     3.7%        06/26/37        817.97  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2040

     3.9%        07/02/40        1,697.49  

 

(1)

Valued at December 31, 2021.

Source: Banco Central.

The following table sets forth the outstanding amount of Uruguayan Treasury securities in circulation as of the dates indicated (in millions of U.S. dollars).

Central Government Debt Securities in Circulation

(in millions of US$)

 

As of December 31,

   Total(1)      Foreign Currency
Securities(2)
     Local Currency
Securities (2)
 

2017

     26,136        11,875        14,261  

2018

     26,626        13,316        13,310  

2019

     27,110        14,233        12,877  

2020

     28,947        14,471        14,476  

2021

     31,212        14,888        16,324  

 

(1) 

Totals may differ due to rounding.

(2) 

Nominal value.

Source: Banco Central.

The following table sets forth information regarding the amortization of total gross public sector debt.

Amortization of Total Gross Public Sector Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     Outstanding
as of
December 31,
2021(1)
     2022      2023      2024      2025      2026      2027      2028      2029 to
Final
Maturity
 

Gross public sector external debt

     21,857        1,068        533        953        885        1,021        1,009        1,060        15,328  

Gross public sector domestic debt

     20,542        7,125        1,568        1,165        1,497        994        659        880        6,654  

Total(2)

   US$ 42,399      US$ 8,193      US$ 2,101      US$ 2,118      US$ 2,382      US$ 2,015      US$ 1,667      US$ 1,940      US$ 21,982  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Preliminary data.

(2) 

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

Debt Service, Debt Restructuring and Liability Management Operations

Uruguay has a long-standing tradition of prompt service of its external debt obligations, interrupted only in the 1930s when the severe worldwide economic contraction led to the delay of some payments and very briefly in mid-1965 when Banco de la República incurred some arrears for approximately two to three months. The regional debt crisis, which started in 1982, resulted in growing unwillingness on the part of foreign commercial banks to lend to the region. Reduced new lending led Uruguay to seek the renegotiation of repayment obligations to commercial banks in 1983, 1986 and 1988, but unlike several other countries in the region, during this period Uruguay did not have any arrears of either interest or principal.

In 1983, Uruguay rescheduled US$693 million of principal falling due between 1983 and 1984. Uruguay also obtained US$230 million of new lending and maintained US$87 million in public and private sector short-term trade lines. In 1986, negotiations with commercial bank creditors resulted in the rescheduling of US$2.1 billion of principal due between 1985 and 1989 and in new lending totaling US$45 million. In 1988, US$1.8 billion of debt

 

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originally due between 1985 and 1991 was rescheduled. The 1988 refinancing agreement also reduced the spread over 3-month LIBOR on the debt covered by the 1986 agreement to 0.875% from 1.375% and extended the maturity schedule from 1996 to 2004.

In the last quarter of 1990, under the initiative of U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Nicholas Brady, Uruguay began to negotiate a restructuring program with its commercial bank creditors to reduce its debt burden, lengthen the maturity profile of its debt and obtain new sources of funds in order to be able to channel necessary resources into projects for further economic growth and development. In January 1991, Uruguay reached agreement with its commercial bank creditors covering US$1.6 billion in debt, representing 21.7% of its total gross external debt and 100% of the public sector debt owed to commercial banks.

In October 1999, Uruguay consummated an exchange offer of US$85.0 million of its 30-year collateralized par Bonds due 2021 for US$85.0 million of its uncollateralized 7 7/8% Bonds due 2027. In December 2001, Uruguay repurchased and cancelled US$115 million of Banco Central’s outstanding Debt Conversion Bonds due 2007. In 2003, Uruguay exchanged US$24 million principal amount of Par A and Par B Bonds for US$11.5 million cash and UI Bonds due 2012 for the UI equivalent of US$11.5 million.

On April 10, 2003, the Republic launched two concurrent offers inviting owners of certain of the Republic’s and Banco Central’s foreign currency-denominated bonds to tender their old bonds in exchange for newly issued bonds. Uruguay also solicited the consent of holders of a Yen-denominated bond to amend the terms and conditions of that bond. The transactions were designed to adjust Uruguay’s debt profile and make it sustainable. Uruguay attracted the support of holders of 92.8% of its debt subject to the offers and consent solicitation, which resulted in the issuance of 18 new series of debt securities.

Since the completion of its 2003 debt reprofiling, Uruguay has accessed the international capital markets repeatedly and applied the proceeds raised to gradually lengthen its debt maturity profile.

In July 2016, Uruguay completed a series of liability management transactions, including the reopening of its 4.475% bonds due 2027 for US$400 million and of its 5.100% bonds due 2050 for US$747 million. The cash proceeds from the offers were used for general purposes of the government, including financial investment and refinancing, repurchase and amortizing domestic and external indebtedness.

In June 2017, Uruguay completed a series of liability management transactions, including the issuance of. Ps.31.1 billion 9.875% Bonds due 2022, payable in U.S. dollars. The cash proceeds from the offers were used for general purposes of the government, including financial investment and the repurchase of certain debt maturing in 2018.

In September 2017, Uruguay completed a series of liability management transactions, including the issuance of. Ps.31.6 billion 8.500% Bonds due 2028, payable in U.S. dollars. The cash proceeds from the offers were used for general purposes of the government, including financial investment and the repurchase of certain debt maturing in 2018, 2022, 2024 and 2027.

In April 2018, Uruguay completed a series of liability management transactions, including the issuance of US$1.75 billion 4.975% bonds due 2055. US$0.25 billion of the cash proceeds from the offers were used to redeem bonds maturing in 2024 and US$1.5 billion were applied to general government purposes.

In January 2019, Uruguay completed a series of liability management transactions, including the issuance of US$1.25 billion 4.375% bonds due 2031. US$0.4 billion of the cash proceeds from the offers were used to redeem bonds maturing in 2024 and 2027, while US$0.85 billion were applied to general government purposes.

In September 2019, Uruguay completed a series of liability management transactions, including the reopening of its 4.375% bonds due 2031 for US$217 million and of its 4.975% bonds due 2055 for US$838 million. The cash proceeds from the offers were used for general purposes of the government, including financial investment and the repurchase of certain debt maturing in 2022, 2024 and 2027.

In June 2020, Uruguay completed a series of global placements in connection with liability management transactions, including the issuance of Ps.68.5 billion (approximately US$1.6 billion) 3.875% CPI-linked Bonds due 2040, payable in U.S. dollars, and of US$400 million 4.375% bonds due 2031. US$500 million of the cash proceeds from the offers were used to redeem CPI-linked Bonds maturing in 2027 and 2028.

 

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From time to time, Uruguay engages in liability management transactions as part of its overall debt management strategy.

Debt Payment Record

Uruguay has regularly met all principal and interest obligations on its external debt for over 50 years. Prior to that, Uruguay had payment arrears on external debt in 1965 for a short period of months and in the 1930s during the international economic recession.

 

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TABLES AND SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Table 1: Gross Public Sector Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     Amount
outstanding
as of
December 31,
2021
     Of which:      Gross Public
Sector Debt
as of
December 31,
2021
 
   Domestic
(with
residents)
     Domestic
(intra-
public
sector)
     External
(with
non-residents)
 

Direct debt of the central government

     35,405        13,234        2,502        19,669        32,903  

of which:

              

Direct loans

     4,193        —          —          4,193        4,193  

Treasury bonds and eurobonds

     31,212        13,234        2,502        15,476        28,710  

Other public sector debt

     10,446        7,308        950        2,188        9,496  

of which:

              

Banco Central bills

     6,342        5,284        950        108        5,392  

Guaranteed debt

     1,807        —          —          1,807        1,807  

Other external debt

     274        —          —          274        274  

Other domestic debt

     2,024        2,024        —          —          2,024  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total(1)

     45,851        20,542        3,452        21,857        42,399  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

Table 2: Direct Loans

(in millions of US$)

 

Lender

   Interest Rate      Issue Date      Final Maturity      Amount
outstanding
as of December 31,
2021
 

Bank of China

     —          9/4/2006        12/31/2026        1.53  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.22        6/18/2002        8/15/2022        8.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     2.94        6/18/2002        6/18/2022        0.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     5.49        11/4/2002        11/4/2022        0.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     4.58        12/22/2003        12/15/2028        21.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.79        11/17/2004        11/17/2024        4.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     4.37        12/8/2005        12/8/2030        1.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.9        12/28/2006        12/15/2031        74.5  

Interamerican Development Bank

     13.9        4/10/2017        8/15/2033        13.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.05        12/30/2008        12/15/2033        45.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     13.59        9/22/2016        8/15/2033        24.6  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.04        2/10/2009        2/10/2034        1.3  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.05        3/31/2009        3/31/2034        1.7  

Interamerican Development Bank

     5.52        5/11/2009        5/11/2029        142.5  

Interamerican Development Bank

     13.9        4/10/2017        8/15/2033        4.3  

Interamerican Development Bank

     2.96        4/22/2010        4/22/2030        2.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.08        2/9/2010        2/9/2035        3.7  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.04        12/8/2010        8/15/2035        10.3  

Interamerican Development Bank

     13.97        9/22/2015        8/15/2025        12.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.05        2/9/2011        8/15/2035        15.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     13.97        9/22/2015        8/15/2025        13.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.11        1/24/2012        1/24/2037        7  

Interamerican Development Bank

     13.9        4/10/2017        12/12/2033        4.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.1        1/24/2012        8/15/2036        5.5  

 

D-99


Lender

   Interest Rate      Issue Date      Final Maturity      Amount
outstanding
as of December 31,
2021
 

Interamerican Development Bank

     13.9        4/10/2017        8/15/2033        9.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.12        3/15/2012        2/15/2037        3.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3        12/13/2011        12/13/2036        32.7  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.12        12/13/2011        12/13/2036        15.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.1        2/2/2012        8/15/2036        11  

Interamerican Development Bank

     14.57        3/2/2017        8/15/2026        35  

Interamerican Development Bank

     2.44        3/15/2012        2/15/2037        36.6  

Interamerican Development Bank

     14.57        3/2/2017        8/15/2026        23.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        10/25/2012        10/25/2037        4  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        12/27/2012        12/27/2037        6.4  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        11/20/2012        8/15/2037        2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.18        9/1/2016        6/15/2041        13.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     0.8        12/13/2018        2/15/2032        146.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        11/11/2013        11/11/2038        4.7  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        2/14/2014        8/15/2038        4.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        2/14/2014        10/15/2038        4.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     10.17        4/10/2017        10/15/2038        43.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        4/30/2014        4/15/2039        7  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        9/24/2014        4/15/2039        4.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        2/13/2015        10/15/2038        —    

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        10/15/2035        21.3  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        2/13/2015        10/15/2038        18.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     0.82        12/13/2018        11/15/2034        108.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        2/13/2015        2/13/2040        9.5  

Interamerican Development Bank

     0.72        3/27/2015        3/27/2035        231.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        2/26/2016        10/15/2040        2.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        10/15/2037        34.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     0.74        4/7/2016        4/7/2036        233.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        9/15/2016        5/15/2041        2.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     4.44        2/21/2020        5/15/2038        29.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        2/2/2017        8/15/2041        10  

Interamerican Development Bank

     4.39        2/21/2020        8/15/2039        33.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        1/12/2017        8/15/2041        1.5  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        8/15/2039        3.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        12/8/2017        8/15/2042        16  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        8/15/2041        12.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        7/6/2017        2/15/2042        21.5  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        8/15/2040        17.3  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        1/12/2017        8/15/2041        1.4  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        8/15/2039        4.3  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.47        1/12/2017        10/15/2041        39.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        4/19/2017        2/15/2042        2.6  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        11/30/2017        8/15/2042        16  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        8/15/2041        14.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        11/30/2017        8/15/2042        1.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        2/15/2041        5.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        12/8/2017        8/15/2042        6.3  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        8/15/2041        20  

Interamerican Development Bank

     0.43        11/28/2018        11/28/2038        266.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        5/3/2019        2/15/2044        4.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        1/23/2019        8/15/2042        2.1  

 

D-100


Lender

   Interest Rate      Issue Date      Final Maturity      Amount
outstanding
as of December 31,
2021
 

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        7/3/2019        2/15/2044        2.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        1/31/2019        8/15/2043        2.4  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        8/15/2043        4.5  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        5/22/2019        2/15/2044        13.2  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        1/31/2019        8/15/2043        3.6  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        9/4/2019        8/15/2044        1.6  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        10/9/2019        8/15/2044        2.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        11/11/2019        8/15/2044        10.5  

Interamerican Development Bank

     3.92        7/10/2020        8/15/2044        18.1  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        11/11/2019        8/15/2044        1.6  

Interamerican Development Bank

     0.37        4/8/2020        8/15/2040        264.3  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        11/11/2019        8/15/2044        1.8  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        7/14/2021        2/15/2046        0.6  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        1/15/2021        8/15/2045        123.9  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.2        8/2/2021        2/15/2046        0.7  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     0.4        8/6/2007        4/15/2022        1.4  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     0.4        8/6/2007        4/15/2022        0.6  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     0.4        1/9/2008        4/15/2022        1  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     0.68        2/12/2009        2/15/2029        400  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     9.73        5/10/2018        2/15/2032        20.3  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.08        2/1/2011        2/15/2031        60  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     7.88        2/1/2011        2/15/2031        38.5  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.08        2/24/2012        2/15/2032        49  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.08        5/7/2012        2/15/2032        8.7  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.08        1/4/2013        2/15/2033        40  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.08        4/16/2013        2/15/2033        64.5  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.03        1/2/2013        8/15/2032        195  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     0.88        3/22/2017        8/15/2026        35.3  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.08        9/4/2017        8/15/2034        69  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.08        11/7/2017        8/15/2034        8.1  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     1.08        5/8/2018        2/15/2035        15  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     0.93        8/5/2020        2/15/2031        16  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     0.93        1/15/2021        2/15/2032        400  

Corporación Andina de Fomento

     —          5/4/2020        5/4/2032        50  

Corporación Andina de Fomento

     2.07        9/15/2016        9/15/2028        190.9  

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti

     0.1        9/9/2005        9/9/2043        15.8  

Cassa Depositi e Prestiti

     0.1        12/2/2005        2/20/2047        14.1  

Fondo Internacional de Desarrollo Agricola

     1.39        7/23/2014        5/16/2033        2.1  

Instituto Crédito Oficial del Reino de España

     1.25        10/2/1992        10/26/2022        0.5  

Instituto Crédito Oficial del Reino de España

     1.25        7/1/1994        7/12/2024        1.8  

Instituto Crédito Oficial del Reino de España

     1.25        7/1/1994        8/1/2024        1  

Instituto Crédito Oficial del Reino de España

     1.25        7/1/1994        8/3/2024        0.4  

Instituto Crédito Oficial del Reino de España

     1.25        4/20/1993        4/20/2023        0.2  

Instituto Crédito Oficial del Reino de España

     1.25        5/12/1993        6/23/2023        2.4  

Kreditanstalt Fur Wieteraufbau

     2        11/23/1993        12/30/2023        0.5  

Natixis

     2        8/28/1989        3/31/2023        0.1  

Scotiabank Canadá

     1.95        2/16/2016        8/15/2023        18.9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Direct Loans

     —          —          —          4,193.3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

 

D-101


Table 3: Government Debt Securities

(in millions of US$)

 

                          Amount
outstanding as
of December 31,
2021
     Of Which:  

Security:

   Interest Rate      Issue Date      Final
Maturity
     Domestic
Debt (with
residents)
     Domestic
Debt (with
public
sector)
     External Debt
(non-residents)
 

Local Currency Nominal-wage (UR/UP) Treasury Note

     2.3%        3/31/2014      3/31/2044        3,577.0        3,021.4        555.7        —    

Nominal Peso Treasury Notes

     7.5%        8/18/2021        8/18/2025        101.1        93.3        7.8        —    

Local Currency CPI-linked Treasury Notes

     Various        Various        Various        4,640.3        3,911.2        728.7        0.3  

Matured, unredeemed bonds

     Various        Various        Various        5.8        —          —          5.8  

7.9% USD Global Bond 2027

     7.9%        7/15/1997        7/15/2027        22.0        0.1        —          21.9  

USD Global Bond 2033

    



Maximum
7.875%; starting
from
3.875%+1%
annual until 2007
 
 
 
 
 
     5/29/2003        1/15/2033        840.6        67.2        71.6        701.8  

USD Bono Global 2024

     4.5%        8/06/2013      8/14/2024        1,009.6        385.3        44.3        580,0  

USD Global Bond 2022

     8.0%        11/18/2005        11/18/2022        108.8        77.9        8.9        22,0  

USD Global Bond 2036

     7.6%        3/21/2006        3/21/2036        1,056.6        95.2        17.4        944,0  

USD Global Bond 2025

     6.9%        9/28/2009        9/28/2025        175.4        108.3        24.9        42.1  

USD Global Bond 2050

     5.1%        6/18/2014        6/18/2050        3,947,0        364.3        15.3        3,567.4  

USD Global Bond 2027

     4.5%        10/19/2015        10/27/2027        1,527.2        339.5        51.8        1,135.9  

USD Global Bond 2055

     5.0%        4/20/2018        4/20/2055        2,587.6        45.3        —          2,542.3  

Nominal Peso Global Bond 2031

     8.25%        5/21/2021        5/21/2031        1,148.5        188.9        70.5        889.1  

USD Global Bond 2045

     4.1%        11/20/2012        11/20/2045        731.4        131.5        0.5        599.4  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2040

     3,875%        7/2/2020        7/2/2040        1,697.5        814,0        164.7        718.8  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2027

     4.3%        4/3/2007        9/15/2027        698,0        431.1        185.3        81.6  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2037

     3.7%        6/26/2007        6/26/2037        818,0        630.9        63.3        123.7  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2030

     4.0%        7/10/2008        7/10/2030        932.9        876.5        47.6        8.8  

CPI-linked Global Bond 2028

     4.4%        12/15/2011        12/15/2028        1,640.5        982.6        311.4        346.5  

Nominal Peso Global Bond 2022

     9.9%        6/20/2017        6/20/2022        363.2        163.2        14.9        185.1  

Nominal Peso Global Bond 2028

     8.6%        9/15/2017        3/15/2028        707.1        222.1        4.7        480.3  

USD Global Bond 2031

     4.4%        1/23/2019        1/23/2031        2,441.3        284.6        112.4        2,044.3  

JPY Global Bond 2024

     0.52%        12/9/2021        12/9/2024        323.1        —          —          323.1  

JPY Global Bond 2026

     0.67%        12/9/2021        12/9/2026        3.5        —          —          3.5  

JPY Global Bond 2028

     0.84%        12/9/2021        12/9/2028        5.2        —          —          5.2  

JPY Global Bond 2031

     1.0%        12/9/2021        12/9/2031        3.5        —          —          3.5  

JPY Global Bond 2036

     1.32%        12/9/2021        12/9/2036        99.0        —          —          99.0  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Bonds(1)(2)

              31,212        13,234        2,502        15,476  
           

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Total includes certain immaterial unredeemed amounts outstanding under bonds with stated maturities prior to December 31, 2020.

(2)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

Table 4: Bills(1)

(in millions of US$)

 

                   Of Which:  
     Interest Rate      Issue Date      Final Maturity      Amount
Outstanding
as of
December 31,
2021
     Domestic Debt
(with
residents)
     Domestic Debt
(with public
sector)
     External Debt
(with
non-residents)
 

Banco Central bills

     Various        Various        Various        6,342        5,284        950        108  

Total Bills(2)

     Various        Various        Various        6,342        5,284        950        108  

 

(1) 

Face value.

(2) 

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

 

D-102


Table 5: Central Government Guaranteed Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

Lender

   Interest Rate      Issue Date      Final Maturity      Amount outstanding
as of December 31, 2021
 

Interamerican Development Bank

     2.14        4/17/2009        4/17/2034        23.01  

Interamerican Development Bank

     2.14        3/9/2009        3/9/2034        24.96  

Interamerican Development Bank

     2.31        11/22/2011        11/22/2036        14.29  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.20        12/10/2012        12/10/2037        6.55  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.20        12/10/2012        12/10/2037        21.80  

Interamerican Development Bank

     14.94        7/28/2015        9/15/2037        128.40  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.20        2/13/2015        2/13/2040        32.75  

Interamerican Development Bank

     1.20        2/13/2015        1/15/2040        20.08  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     13.98        10/15/2016        4/15/2022        1.63  

International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

     0.98        3/7/2013        2/15/2035        32.63  

Corporación Andina de Fomento

     1.45        6/22/2021        6/22/2039        242.68  

Corporación Andina de Fomento

     2.20        12/22/2008        12/22/2023        25.72  

Corporación Andina de Fomento

     3.45        12/17/2012        12/17/2027        26.55  

Corporación Andina de Fomento

     1.70        6/20/2016        6/20/2026        5.52  

Corporación Andina de Fomento

     1.90        6/9/2017        6/11/2035        28.93  

International Monetary Fund

     0.08        11/18/1986        12/31/2053        986.20  

Fondo para Desarrollo de la Cuenca del Plata

     2.67        11/17/2015        11/17/2030        16.73  

Fondo para Desarrollo de la Cuenca del Plata

     2.69        3/14/2019        3/14/2034        50.00  

Instituto Crédito Oficial del Reino de España

     1.50        2/22/1992        10/6/2022        0.92  

Kreditanstalt Fur Wieteraufbau

     3.60        3/14/2013        12/30/2027        42.00  

Kreditanstalt Fur Wieteraufbau

     2.18        8/7/2014        7/2/2029        50.88  

Natixis

     2.00        6/14/1991        3/31/2027        0.93  

External Comercial Banks

              23.78  
           

 

 

 

Total Guaranteed Debt

              1,806.91  
           

 

 

 

Table 6: Other External Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     Amount Outstanding
as of December 31, 2021
 

Commercial Creditors

   US$ 274  

Banco Central: Other External Debt

     —    
  

 

 

 

Total Other External Debt

   US$ 274  
  

 

 

 

 

Source: Banco Central.

 

D-103


Table 7: Other Domestic Debt

(in millions of US$)

 

     Amount Outstanding
as of December 31, 2021
 

Deposits Net of Credits

   US$ 1,361  

Non-financial Public Sector

   US$ 517  

Credits

     517  

Banco Central

     844  

Credits

     210  

Deposits

     634  

Other Debt

   US$ 663  
  

 

 

 

Total Other Domestic Debt(1)

   US$ 2,024  
  

 

 

 

 

(1)

Totals may differ due to rounding.

Source: Banco Central.

 

D-104