Check my company
Made here

The twenty imports Portugal is best placed to replace.

Portugal imported USD 91bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 74bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 4.0bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
196products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
1670products Portugal already exports well
1338product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Portugal already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Portugal would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Portugal does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of man-made fibres, knitted or crochetedHS 611030

    Comes fromSpain 63%, 88 source countries
    Nearest export strengthT-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted (exports USD 826m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 92m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 184m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 5 per cent (3); Spain supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 184mup 18% on 2022
  2. 2

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620462

    Comes fromSpain 62%, 88 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or... (exports USD 113m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 53m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 75m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 161m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 7 per cent (3); Spain supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 161mup 10% on 2022
  3. 3

    Copper: wire, of refined copper, of which the maximum cross-sectional dimension exceeds 6mmHS 740811

    Comes fromSpain 63%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCopper: waste and scrap (exports USD 318m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 17m
    Countries that export it well25

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 465m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1); Spain supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 465mup 10% on 2022
  4. 4

    Aluminium: unwrought, alloysHS 760120

    Comes fromSpain 64%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading... (exports USD 197m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 26m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 83m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 454m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); Spain supplies 64 per cent (2).

    USD 454mdown 24% on 2022
  5. 5

    Perfumes and toilet watersHS 330300

    Comes fromSpain 65%, 66 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHair preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3305 (exports USD 49m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 27m
    Countries that export it well19

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 272m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Spain supplies 65 per cent (2).

    USD 272mup 48% on 2022
  6. 6

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromSpain 73%, 59 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSlates and boards: with writing or drawing surfaces, whether or not... (exports USD 27m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 27m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 208m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1); Spain supplies 73 per cent (2).

    USD 208mup 13% on 2022
  7. 7

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Comes fromSpain 74%, 49 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFlours, meals and pellets: of meat or meat offal, greaves (exports USD 28m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 76m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 304m
    Countries that export it well48

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 164m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 27 per cent (1); Spain supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 164mdown 3% on 2022
  8. 8

    Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690

    Comes fromSpain 42%, 92 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSauces: tomato ketchup and other tomato sauces (exports USD 79m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 110m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 25m
    Countries that export it well51

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 340m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); Spain supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 340mup 25% on 2022
  9. 9

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments...HS 330499

    Comes fromSpain 56%, 125 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHair preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3305 (exports USD 49m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 59m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 62m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 327m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); Spain supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 327mup 23% on 2022
  10. 10

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromSpain 57%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAnionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap): other than... (exports USD 19m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 56m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 142m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 225m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (1); Spain supplies 57 per cent (1).

    USD 225mup 24% on 2022
  11. 11

    Cases and containers: handbags (whether or not with shoulder strap and including those without handle), with outer...HS 420222

    Comes fromSpain 41%, 94 source countries
    Nearest export strengthLeather articles: n.e.c. in chapter 42, of leather or composition... (exports USD 154m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 56m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 368m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 183m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); Spain supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 183mup 29% on 2022
  12. 12

    Poly(ethylene terephthalate): in primary forms, having a viscosity of 78ml/g or higherHS 390761

    Comes fromSpain 58%, 26 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 389m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 29m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 305m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 181m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Spain supplies 58 per cent (1).

    USD 181mdown 9% on 2022
  13. 13

    Lighting or visual signalling equipment: electrical, of a kind used on motor vehicles (excluding articles of heading...HS 851220

    Comes fromSpain 47%, 56 source countries
    Nearest export strengthInsulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000... (exports USD 712m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 86m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 27m
    Countries that export it well19

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 174m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); Spain supplies 47 per cent (1).

    USD 174mup 38% on 2022
  14. 14

    Footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6402, (other than just covering the ankle), with outer soles and uppers of rubber or...HS 640299

    Comes fromSpain 41%, 89 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFootwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle)... (exports USD 939m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 54m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 39m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 148m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); Spain supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 148mup 19% on 2022
  15. 15

    Aluminium: casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or...HS 761290

    Comes fromSpain 65%, 42 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: structures (excluding prefabricated buildings of heading... (exports USD 197m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m
    Countries that export it well42

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 112m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Spain supplies 65 per cent (2).

    USD 112mup 49% on 2022
  16. 16

    Electric accumulators: lead-acid, of a kind used for starting piston engines, including separators, whether or not...HS 850710

    Comes fromSpain 62%, 37 source countries
    Nearest export strengthInsulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000... (exports USD 712m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 16m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 141m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 102m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); Spain supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 102mup 24% on 2022
  17. 17

    Meat preparations: of the poultry of heading no. 0105, (i.e. of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus)HS 160232

    Comes fromSpain 66%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFish preparations: tunas, skipjack tuna and bonito (Sarda spp.)... (exports USD 163m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 101m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 97m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); Spain supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 97mup 21% on 2022
  18. 18

    Coats: women's or girls', overcoats, raincoats, car-coats, capes, cloaks anoraks (including ski-jackets) and similar...HS 620240

    Comes fromSpain 53%, 71 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or... (exports USD 113m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 25m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 17m
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 81m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); Spain supplies 53 per cent (1).

    USD 81mup 4% on 2022
  19. 19

    Plastics: articles for the conveyance or packing of goods n.e.c. in heading no. 3923HS 392390

    Comes fromSpain 64%, 64 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39 (exports USD 389m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 31m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 113m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 73m, top 18 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 39 per cent (1); Spain supplies 64 per cent (2).

    USD 73mup 10% on 2022
  20. 20

    Hair preparations: shampoosHS 330510

    Comes fromSpain 52%, 73 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHair preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3305 (exports USD 49m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 18m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 64m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); Spain supplies 52 per cent (1).

    USD 64mup 7% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Portugal already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708 imports USD 1.5bn, exports USD 1.1bn, top source Spain 46%
  • Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine... imports USD 533m, exports USD 146m, top source France 46%
  • Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine... imports USD 1.1bn, exports USD 791m, top source Germany 49%
  • Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, (not corrugated)... imports USD 413m, exports USD 154m, top source Spain 24%
  • Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells... imports USD 785m, exports USD 585m, top source China 86%
  • Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not... imports USD 462m, exports USD 282m, top source Spain 70%
  • Ice cream and other edible ice: whether or not containing cocoa imports USD 183m, exports USD 48m, top source Spain 52%
  • Wood: of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), in the rough, whether or not stripped... imports USD 151m, exports USD 19m, top source Spain 60%
  • Food preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoa imports USD 165m, exports USD 59m, top source Spain 69%
  • Cork: natural cork, raw or simply prepared imports USD 117m, exports USD 17m, top source Spain 93%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1338 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

Want the Portugal edition kept current?

Leave an address and each new edition comes to you as the record moves. Tick the box if you would want the next layer for Portugal: which public bodies buy each line, once that record is readable.

Your address is used to send this list and its later editions, nothing else. Privacy

Run a company? Check it against the developments BuzzBaboon follows, free.