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The twenty imports Portugal is best placed to replace.

Portugal imported USD 86bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 72bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well, with how concentrated the supply of each is.

USD 3.7bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
116products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
1670products Portugal already exports well
2,974public purchases of goods joined to a product family, from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU)
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 carries public buyers from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU), 7,167 award notices from 2025-11-03 to 2026-11-02, joined to each product's customs heading through a crosswalk we authored. The buyers are shown as context and do not change the score, because award values in these records include framework ceilings and outliers that would distort it. The regional layer (where the capability sits) is built only where a country publishes regional trade by product, and Portugal does not publish it 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 strengthJerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of... (exports USD 481m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 92m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    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 strengthSkirts and divided skirts: women's or girls', of cotton (not knitted... (exports USD 9m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 53m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 75m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    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 strengthIron or non-alloy steel: wire, plated or coated with zinc (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 17m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 465m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); Spain supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 465mup 10% on 2022
  4. 4

    Perfumes and toilet watersHS 330300

    Comes fromSpain 65%, 66 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 27m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 272m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); Spain supplies 65 per cent (2).

    USD 272mup 48% on 2022
  5. 5

    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 strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 56m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 142m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 6 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 (2); Spain supplies 57 per cent (1).

    USD 225mup 24% 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 strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 27m
    Public buyers in the family7 awards from 5 buyers. Most frequent: Unidade Local de Saúde de São João, EPE

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 208m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 27 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 strengthFood preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoa (exports USD 59m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 76m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 304m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    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 strengthFood preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether... (exports USD 282m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 110m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 25m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    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
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 327m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); Spain supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 327mup 23% on 2022
  10. 10

    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 strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 56m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 368m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 183m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Spain supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 183mup 29% on 2022
  11. 11

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

    Comes fromSpain 58%, 26 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive)... (exports USD 198m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 29m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 305m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 181m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); Spain supplies 58 per cent (1).

    USD 181mdown 9% on 2022
  12. 12

    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 strengthEngines: parts, suitable for use solely or principally with... (exports USD 200m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 86m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 174m, top 6 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
  13. 13

    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: (other than sportswear), with outer soles of rubber or... (exports USD 109m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 54m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 39m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 148m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Spain supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 148mup 19% on 2022
  14. 14

    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 strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m
    Public buyers in the family37 awards from 28 buyers. Most frequent: Valnor - Valorização e Tratamento de Resíduos Sólidos, S. A.

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 112m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); Spain supplies 65 per cent (2).

    USD 112mup 49% on 2022
  15. 15

    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 strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 16m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 141m
    Public buyers in the family6 awards from 4 buyers. Most frequent: Secretaria-Geral do Ministério da Administração Interna

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 102m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Spain supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 102mup 24% on 2022
  16. 16

    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 strengthMeat preparations: sausages and similar products, of meat, meat... (exports USD 34m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 101m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 97m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1); Spain supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 97mup 21% on 2022
  17. 17

    Paper and paperboard: uncoated, fluting paper other than semi-chemical or straw, rolls or sheetsHS 480519

    Comes fromSpain 89%, 14 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaper & paperboard: uncoated, testliner (recycled linerboard)... (exports USD 39m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 148k
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 96m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1); Spain supplies 89 per cent (2).

    USD 96mup 39% 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 strengthCoats: women's or girls', overcoats, raincoats, car-coats, capes... (exports USD 20m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 25m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 17m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 81m, top 15 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: stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, for the... (exports USD 45m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 31m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 113m
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    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
    Public buyers in the familynone matched to this product family

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 64m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Portugal's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); Spain supplies 52 per cent (1).

    USD 64mup 7% on 2022

The bill and its path, the sources and their unit values, who exports the line well, the nearest strengths, the public buyers where a country publishes them, and the method. We reply by email. Privacy

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%
  • 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%
  • Footwear: (other than sportswear), with outer soles of rubber or plastics and... imports USD 202m, exports USD 109m, top source Spain 49%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1282 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.

Public buyers, context only, never scored: 7,167 award notices from Tenders Electronic Daily (EU), 2025-11-03 to 2026-11-02, of which 3,492 were classified by the buyer as goods and 2,974 joined to a product family through a crosswalk we authored, because no official one exists. Only notices whose code names a specific product group are joined; broad division codes are left out. The join is a family, not an exact line, and the counts are a floor.

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 2026-11-03. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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