Germany (Prussia) and Uruguay have enjoyed uninterrupted bilateral relations for more than 160 years and Uruguay is home to over 10,000 Germans. Montevideo boasts a large German school, a Protestant church community, a Goethe-Institut, an active German-Uruguayan Chamber of Industry and Commerce and various clubs. Political relations are good, characterised by shared values particularly with regard to human rights and rules-based trade. On 1 and 2 March 2025, Federal President Steinmeier visited the country on the occasion of President Orsi’s assumption of office.

Germany is Uruguay’s most important European trading partner in terms of exports, ranking sixth overall among Uruguay’s trading partners. The main German imports from Uruguay are cellulose, beef, wool and textiles, while Germany’s principal exports to Uruguay include pharmaceuticals, vehicles, car parts and chemicals. Germany played a key role in the successful conversion of Uruguay’s energy matrix to renewable energy sources, which now provide almost 100% of the country’s electricity. As a result of generous tax regulations in so‑called free-trade zones and for service providers active in the region, several German enterprises have invested in Uruguay. An investment promotion agreement has been in place since 1990.

In order to further strengthen bi‑regional economic cooperation, Uruguay and Germany are working actively for the rapid implementation of the EU‑Mercosur Trade Agreement, negotiations on which were successfully concluded at the end of 2024.

Germany and Uruguay enjoy close cooperation not least in the areas of forestry, dual vocational training and renewable energies.

The Goethe-Institut reports a constant rise in demand for German courses. The Konrad‑Adenauer-Stiftung and the Friedrich‑Ebert-Stiftung both have offices in Montevideo. The representative of the German Academic Exchange Service promotes academic exchange. The German School in Montevideo was founded in 1857 and has borne the “Excellent German School Abroad” quality seal since 2019.