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Portugal
(information)
Population as of 2020: 10.1 million 90 of 193
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Region: Europe
Nominal G.D.P. in 2024: $308.7 billion 45 of 193
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Top Exports
Portugal exported approximately **US$83–84 billion** worth of goods in 2024 and has one of the most diversified export economies in Southern Europe. Its exports are led by automobiles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, textiles, footwear, and cork products.
| Rank | Export Product | Estimated Export Value (USD) |
| ---- | ----------------------------------------- | ---------------------------: |
| 1 | Passenger cars | **~US$4.8 billion** |
| 2 | Motor vehicle parts & accessories | **~US$3.5 billion** |
| 3 | Refined petroleum oils | **~US$4.7–4.8 billion** |
| 4 | Pharmaceuticals (medicaments) | **~US$3.1–3.5 billion** |
| 5 | Electrical machinery & equipment | **~US$7.2 billion** |
| 6 | Industrial machinery & reactors | **~US$5.1 billion** |
| 7 | Rubber tires | **~US$2.5–3.0 billion** |
| 8 | Plastics & plastic articles | **~US$3.8 billion** |
| 9 | Paper & paperboard products | **~US$2.7 billion** |
| 10 | Clothing & apparel | **~US$2.5 billion** |
| 11 | Footwear | **~US$2.0 billion** |
| 12 | Cork and cork products | **~US$1.3 billion** |
| 13 | Iron & steel products | **~US$1.8 billion** |
| 14 | Organic chemicals | **~US$1.5 billion** |
| 15 | Furniture | **~US$1.4 billion** |
| 16 | Optical, medical & scientific instruments | **~US$1.3 billion** |
| 17 | Wine | **~US$1.1 billion** |
| 18 | Agricultural products & processed foods | **~US$1.0 billion** |
| 19 | Aircraft parts & aerospace equipment | **~US$0.8 billion** |
| 20 | Ceramic tiles & construction materials | **~US$0.7 billion** |
*Values are rounded estimates based on 2024 trade-category and product-level export data.*
Key Takeaways
* 🚗 **Automotive exports are Portugal's largest industrial sector**
* Cars and auto parts together generated more than **US$8 billion** in exports.
* ⚡ **Machinery and electronics are major pillars**
* Electrical equipment and machinery accounted for over **US$12 billion** in exports.
* 🛢️ **Refined petroleum is a leading export**
* Portugal exports significant quantities of refined fuels despite importing much of its crude oil.
* 👟 **Portugal remains a world-class producer of footwear and textiles**
* Portuguese shoes and apparel are highly regarded in European markets.
* 🌳 **Portugal dominates the global cork industry**
* The country is the world's largest exporter of cork products.
* 🍷 **Wine remains an important export**
* Especially:
* Port wine
* Vinho Verde
* premium table wines.
Top Importers of Portugal's Exports (2024)
| Rank | Country | Estimated Imports from Portugal |
| ---- | -------------- | ------------------------------: |
| 1 | Spain | **~US$19–22 billion** |
| 2 | Germany | **~US$9–11 billion** |
| 3 | France | **~US$10–11 billion** |
| 4 | United States | **~US$5–6 billion** |
| 5 | United Kingdom | **~US$4–8 billion** |
| 6 | Netherlands | **~US$4–5 billion** |
| 7 | Italy | **~US$4–5 billion** |
| 8 | Belgium | **~US$3–4 billion** |
| 9 | Poland | **~US$2–3 billion** |
| 10 | Angola | **~US$1–2 billion** |
These rankings are consistent across 2024 trade datasets, although exact values vary slightly by source and methodology.
Key Patterns
* 🇪🇸 **Spain is by far Portugal's largest customer**
* Roughly one-quarter of all Portuguese exports go to Spain.
* 🇪🇺 **Europe dominates Portuguese trade**
* About **79% of Portuguese exports** are sold within Europe.
* 🏭 **Manufacturing drives exports**
* Major exports to Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands include:
* automobiles
* auto parts
* machinery
* electrical equipment
* pharmaceuticals.
* 🇺🇸 **The United States is Portugal's largest non-European customer**
* The U.S. is a major destination for pharmaceuticals, machinery, cork products, wine, and industrial goods.
* 🌍 **Historical ties remain important**
* Angola remains a significant market due to longstanding linguistic, cultural, and business links.
