HS Code 25201010 - Gypsum and Anhydrite Importers in Uruguay

Updated: 26 August 2026 | Writer: TurkExim | Page ID: PNUM6605

This page provides a comprehensive directory of gypsum and anhydrite importers in Uruguay classified under HS Code 25201010. Based on official customs shipment records, it covers 30 import transactions from January 2022 through June 2023, detailing buyer companies, declared values, shipment dates, and countries of origin. The data reveals Argentina as the dominant supplier, with CARBOSUR S.A.I.C. and CIELO AZUL CEMENTOS Y CALIZAS S.A. leading Uruguayan gypsum purchases for construction, cement manufacturing, and agricultural applications.

What Is Gypsum? Definition, Properties, and Classification

Gypsum is a naturally occurring soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate with the chemical formula CaSO4 2H2O. It is one of the most widely used minerals in the construction and agriculture industries worldwide, valued for its fire-resistant properties, ease of processing, and soil-conditioning capabilities. Gypsum typically appears as white or colorless crystalline formations, though it can also be found in shades of gray, brown, beige, and pink depending on impurities present in the deposit. On the Mohs hardness scale, gypsum rates only 2, making it soft enough to be scratched with a fingernail, which contributes to its ease of mining and processing.

The mineral occurs in nature in several distinct forms. Crystalline gypsum, known as selenite, forms transparent to translucent flat crystals that can exhibit a pearly luster. Alabaster is a fine-grained, translucent variety historically used for carving and ornamental work. Satin spar is a fibrous form with a silky sheen, while rock gypsum is the massive, granular form most commonly mined for industrial purposes. When heated to approximately 150 degrees Celsius, gypsum partially dehydrates to form plaster of Paris (hemihydrate gypsum), and at higher temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius, it converts to anhydrite, the completely water-free form of calcium sulfate.

Gypsum is moderately soluble in water, a property that makes it particularly useful in agricultural applications where slow-release calcium and sulfur nutrients are needed. Its solubility also allows it to be easily shaped and molded when mixed with water, forming a hard yet workable material when it sets. This characteristic underpins its primary industrial use in plaster, drywall, and cement production. Globally, the largest gypsum-producing countries include China, the United States, Iran, Turkey, and Thailand, while significant reserves exist across South America, particularly in Argentina and Brazil.

HS Code 2520 Breakdown - Gypsum and Anhydrite Classification

The Harmonized System (HS) code 2520 classifies gypsum, anhydrite, and plasters at the international level for customs and trade purposes. This heading falls under Chapter 25 of the HS nomenclature, which covers natural stone, plaster, lime, and cement products. Understanding the sub-classifications within HS 2520 is essential for accurately tracking trade flows and identifying specific product categories in customs data.

In Uruguay's import records, the majority of gypsum shipments fall under HS Code 2520101100 (raw natural gypsum stone, often described as "in irregular pieces" or simply "N/A" in product descriptions). A smaller portion is classified under 2520101900 (other non-calcined gypsum products) and 2520102000 (raw anhydrite). The distinction between these sub-categories matters for tariff assessment, trade statistics, and regulatory compliance, as each sub-heading may carry different duty rates and import requirements.

For businesses engaged in international trade of gypsum products, accurate HS code classification is critical. Misclassification can result in customs delays, incorrect duty assessments, and potential penalties. The Uruguay customs data presented on this page uses these HS code classifications as recorded in official import declarations, providing a reliable basis for trade analysis and market intelligence.

Uruguay Gypsum Import Market Overview (2022-2023)

Uruguay's gypsum import market between January 2022 and June 2023 demonstrates a concentrated trade pattern dominated by a small number of key buyers sourcing primarily from neighboring Argentina. The total declared import value for gypsum and anhydrite products under HS Code 25201010 during this period amounts to approximately 645,000 USD, distributed across 30 recorded import transactions. This figure represents the official customs-declared value and may not reflect the full market size, as some shipments may be recorded under related HS codes or through re-export channels.

The Uruguayan gypsum market serves three primary demand sectors. The construction and cement industry is the largest consumer, with companies like CIELO AZUL CEMENTOS Y CALIZAS S.A. importing gypsum in large quantities for cement production and plaster manufacturing. The industrial minerals sector, led by CARBOSUR S.A.I.C., imports raw gypsum stone for processing and distribution. The agricultural sector represents a growing niche, with companies such as AGRIFIRM URUGUAY SA and FENEDUR SOCIEDAD ANONIMA importing agricultural-grade gypsum for soil conditioning and fertilizer production.

Trade seasonality is observable in the data, with larger shipments tending to occur in the first and third quarters of the year, potentially aligning with construction sector demand cycles and agricultural application seasons. The geographic concentration of supply from Argentina reflects both the abundance of natural gypsum deposits in northern Argentina (particularly in the Salta and Jujuy provinces) and the cost advantages of overland transportation compared to maritime shipping from more distant suppliers.

Top Gypsum Importers in Uruguay - Company Profiles

Uruguay's gypsum import market is characterized by a high degree of buyer concentration, with the top three importers accounting for the vast majority of total import value. Below are detailed profiles of the key companies involved in gypsum and anhydrite imports into Uruguay, based on the available customs shipment records.

CARBOSUR S.A.I.C. - Leading Gypsum Importer

CARBOSUR S.A.I.C. is the most active gypsum importer in Uruguay by number of shipments and total import value. The company recorded at least 10 separate import transactions between January 2022 and June 2023, exclusively sourcing raw gypsum (HS Code 2520101100) from Argentina. Individual shipment values range from 12,862 USD to 84,658 USD, with multiple shipments in the 25,000-85,000 USD range. CARBOSUR's consistent import pattern suggests a regular supply chain operation, likely serving the construction and industrial minerals distribution market in Uruguay. The company's exclusive reliance on Argentine gypsum underscores the cost-effectiveness and logistical advantages of cross-border trade between the two Mercosur member countries.

CIELO AZUL CEMENTOS Y CALIZAS S.A. - Cement Industry Buyer

CIELO AZUL CEMENTOS Y CALIZAS S.A. is the highest-value single importer of gypsum in Uruguay, with individual shipment values reaching 121,200 USD. The company imported raw gypsum stone described as "in irregular pieces (stones)" on multiple occasions, exclusively from Argentina. With at least 5 recorded shipments, CIELO AZUL's import pattern is consistent with large-scale cement manufacturing operations that require steady gypsum supplies as a cement additive and set retarder. As a cement and lime company, their gypsum imports directly support construction material production for the Uruguayan market.

AGRIFIRM URUGUAY SA - Agricultural Gypsum Importer

AGRIFIRM URUGUAY SA specializes in agricultural-grade gypsum imports, sourcing products classified under HS Code 2520101900 (other non-calcined gypsum products) from Brazil. The company recorded two significant shipments valued at 9,503 USD and 9,729 USD respectively. AGRIFIRM's sourcing from Brazil rather than Argentina is noteworthy, as it suggests specific product quality or formulation requirements that Brazilian agricultural gypsum products better satisfy. The company's role in the Uruguayan market likely involves distributing soil-conditioning gypsum to agricultural operations throughout the country.

Other Active Importers

Complete Gypsum Import Shipment Records - Customs Data Table

The following table presents the complete set of customs shipment records for gypsum and anhydrite imports into Uruguay under HS Code 25201010. This data covers the period from January 2022 through June 2023 and is sourced from official Uruguayan customs declarations. Each record includes the shipment date, importer company name, product description, country of origin, HS code classification, and declared value in US dollars. This dataset serves as a primary reference for trade intelligence, supplier verification, and market analysis in the South American gypsum trade.

Countries of Origin - Gypsum Export Analysis for Uruguay

The geographic distribution of gypsum exports to Uruguay reveals a heavily concentrated supply chain with Argentina serving as the overwhelming dominant source. Of the 30 recorded import shipments, the vast majority originate from Argentine suppliers, reflecting both geological and economic factors that make Argentina the natural primary supplier for the Uruguayan market. Argentina possesses extensive natural gypsum deposits, particularly in its northern provinces, and the shared land border within the Mercosur trade bloc eliminates maritime shipping costs and reduces transit times significantly.

The non-Argentine imports are particularly noteworthy from a trade intelligence perspective. Brazil supplies agricultural-grade gypsum to AGRIFIRM URUGUAY SA, suggesting that Brazilian agricultural gypsum products have specific qualities or pricing advantages for soil conditioning applications. Germany exports specialized gypsum or anhydrite products to FIRTUX SOCIEDAD ANONIMA, likely representing higher-value industrial or construction-grade materials with specific technical specifications. Spain supplies HISBECK SA with processed gypsum products, while China provides both raw and processed gypsum to KRYSTAL LIMITADA in smaller quantities.

This multi-origin sourcing pattern, while dominated by Argentina, indicates that certain Uruguayan importers have specific product requirements that cannot be met by Argentine suppliers alone. For international gypsum exporters targeting the Uruguayan market, this presents opportunities in specialized product segments such as high-purity agricultural gypsum, industrial-grade anhydrite, and processed gypsum products with particular physical or chemical properties.

Industrial Applications of Gypsum in Uruguay

Gypsum imported into Uruguay serves a diverse range of industrial applications, reflecting the mineral's versatility and the country's economic structure. Understanding these applications is essential for both suppliers seeking to enter the market and analysts evaluating trade patterns and demand drivers.

Construction and Cement Manufacturing

The construction sector is the largest consumer of imported gypsum in Uruguay. Gypsum is an essential raw material in cement production, where it serves as a set retarder, controlling the hardening rate of Portland cement. CIELO AZUL CEMENTOS Y CALIZAS S.A., as one of Uruguay's cement producers, imports raw gypsum stone in large quantities (individual shipments up to 121,200 USD) specifically for this purpose. Beyond cement, gypsum is processed into plaster for wall and ceiling finishes, drywall (gypsum board) for interior construction partitions, and decorative plaster elements. The growth of Uruguay's construction sector directly influences gypsum import demand.

Agriculture and Soil Conditioning

In the agricultural sector, gypsum serves as a valuable soil conditioner that improves soil structure in multiple ways. It helps break up compacted clay soils, improving water infiltration and root penetration. Gypsum provides a source of calcium and sulfur, two essential plant nutrients, without significantly altering soil pH, unlike limestone. Companies such as AGRIFIRM URUGUAY SA, FENEDUR SOCIEDAD ANONIMA, and Nutrianimal S.R.L. import gypsum primarily for agricultural use. The application of agricultural gypsum is particularly important in Uruguay's extensive farming and ranching regions, where soil management is critical for maintaining productivity. Uruguay's beef and agricultural export sectors benefit from improved soil conditions achieved through gypsum application.

Industrial and Chemical Applications

Gypsum has numerous specialized industrial applications that contribute to Uruguay's import demand. In the chemical industry, gypsum is used as a raw material for producing ammonium sulfate fertilizer and other sulfur-containing chemicals. The pharmaceutical and dental industries use high-purity gypsum for casting molds, dental impressions, and surgical splints. In the food industry, food-grade gypsum serves as a calcium supplement and firming agent in products such as tofu and baked goods. Companies like FIRTUX SOCIEDAD ANONIMA, which imports from Germany, and HISBECK SA, which imports from Spain, likely serve some of these specialized industrial market segments.

Key Trade Statistics and Market Analysis

The following statistical summary provides a concise overview of Uruguay's gypsum import market based on the available customs data. These figures are calculated from the 30 recorded import transactions under HS Code 25201010 and serve as a benchmark for trade intelligence and market analysis purposes.

The concentration of Uruguay's gypsum imports in a small number of buyers and a single dominant supplier country presents both advantages and risks for the market. On the advantage side, established supply chains from Argentina benefit from Mercosur trade agreement provisions, reduced transportation costs, and established commercial relationships. On the risk side, any disruption to Argentine gypsum supply, whether from regulatory changes, production issues, or trade policy shifts, would significantly impact Uruguay's construction and agricultural sectors. This supply concentration also suggests potential opportunities for alternative suppliers from countries such as Turkey, Morocco, or India to diversify Uruguay's gypsum import sources.

Frequently Asked Questions