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Before choosing Portugal as your import or export destination, research the Portugal trade market statistics, consider all the pros and challenges, and then dive into doing business with reliable buyers and sellers.
In this blog, we will cover all the important points that traders should know about Portugal's trade system and its leading marketplaces, which facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers in this country.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), in 2023, Portugal’s economy ranked 48th out of 195 countries. In terms of GDP, it was around 289 billion USD. In 2023, Portugal was the largest exporter of Cars, motor vehicles, car parts and accessories, refined petroleum, and leather footwear, along with Agglomerated Cork and natural cork articles, which were the highest sellers from Portugal that year.
The top imports of Portugal in 2023 were cars, crude petroleum, refined petroleum, and packaged medicaments. The top imports in 2023 were pig hair, de-barked cork, and raw cork.
According to CEIC data, the total export of Portugal till January is around 7.3 billion USD in 2025
Here is the list of leading B2B marketplaces that cater to both sellers' and buyers' requirements, so check out their benefits.
Tradewheel.com is the fastest-growing online B2B trading platform that has dedicated a separate page to the import and export of Portugal. The website is user-friendly for both buyers and sellers. Both sides of the business can maintain effective communication with each other to facilitate successful business dealings.
Sellers can create their business accounts on the website by filling out the business-related information asked on the website. Once you register your business successfully on the website, you are ready to set up your store, add product listings, descriptions, and HD photos etc.
Buyers can explore the website, check out the supplier directory, and find a wide range of trendy products at wholesale prices and in premium quality, with certifications. Suppliers on the website cater to both small and medium-sized businesses seeking low MOQ options. You can also negotiate the prices of the bulk products. Manufacturers also offer deals and discounts for bulk buyers.
B2BMap is another genuine online B2B e-commerce trading platform in Portugal. The website is equipped with all the right tools that enhance your trading experience. The extensive buyers directory enables you to find genuine buyers for your business with just a click. You can display your products on the platform and create your seller's account free of cost.
The website features a verified buyers list for sellers across various industries, allowing you to communicate with them and efficiently fulfill their business needs.Buyers can connect with global sellers on this B2B Portugal portal, inquire about the products they want to purchase, and finalize the deal smoothly with them. You can also request low MOQ options and bulk orders tailored to your business requirements. Ensure the quality of the products, certifications, and shipping details before finalizing the deal.
BeauteTrade is a global B2B marketplace dedicated to beauty and personal care products. For Portuguese sellers, it provides an easy way to showcase items such as skincare, haircare, and cosmetics to international buyers. The platform supports small and large businesses by providing access to verified global buyers actively searching for beauty products from Portuguese wholesalers.
Sellers can set up digital storefronts, respond to inquiries, and receive bulk orders from retailers and distributors worldwide. On the buyer side, businesses in Portugal can use BeauteTrade to source private label or wholesale beauty items directly from manufacturers and suppliers across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. This platform is ideal for Portugal-based businesses looking to enter or expand in the health and beauty market without needing a physical presence abroad.
TradeB2B.net is a business-to-business platform that connects manufacturers, exporters, importers, and wholesalers across various industries. Portuguese companies seeking to sell their products, including textiles, food items, and machinery, can list their offers and reach buyers worldwide.
The platform provides tools for product listing, direct inquiry messaging, and company profiling, which help build trust with potential partners. For buyers, the website facilitates easy comparison of suppliers, requests for quotes, and direct contact with companies.
It supports international and European trade, making it a helpful tool for Portuguese businesses to source raw materials, industrial parts, or consumer goods at competitive prices. Unlike some marketplaces, it is free to join and focuses on small to medium-sized businesses, making it perfect for local companies seeking to expand their international presence or find new suppliers.
TradeBoss is a global B2B marketplace that helps businesses connect for trade opportunities across multiple sectors, including electronics, food, building materials, and textiles. It’s especially useful for Portuguese sellers wanting to list their products and connect with global buyers.
Businesses can post offers, update product information, and reply to inquiries all in one place. TradeBoss supports multi-language listings, making it easier for Portuguese sellers to reach buyers across different countries. For buyers in Portugal, the platform offers access to thousands of suppliers worldwide.
You can browse by category, get in touch directly, and negotiate bulk deals. It is also a useful place to find wholesale or export-ready products. TradeBoss is well-suited for companies seeking a straightforward platform to initiate international B2B trading without complex systems or high listing fees.
ThomasNet is a well-known U.S.-based B2B directory that connects industrial buyers with suppliers from Portugal. While most suppliers listed are from North America, Portuguese businesses can still benefit, especially if they are looking to source machinery, equipment, or industrial services from top-rated manufacturers.
For Portuguese sellers offering niche components, tools, or manufacturing services, listing on ThomasNet can attract buyers from the U.S. market. It’s especially strong in sectors like electronics, plastics, metal fabrication, and OEM components. Buyers get access to detailed supplier profiles, certifications, and CAD files. Sellers benefit from exposure to serious buyers looking for high-quality, certified production partners.
Alibaba is one of the world’s biggest B2B platforms, connecting millions of buyers and sellers. For Portuguese businesses, Alibaba provides an opportunity to reach international customers by listing products with images, pricing, and detailed information. Sellers can join the platform to attract wholesale buyers, retail chains, or dropshippers worldwide.
It also offers services such as trade assurance, secure payments, and global logistics support. Portuguese buyers can use it to find suppliers in various categories, including textiles, electronics, chemicals, and packaging. Filters and buyer protection features help find verified suppliers quickly.
Many Portuguese importers utilize Alibaba to purchase goods at lower prices and resell them locally. Its wide reach, trusted system, and strong support tools make it one of the best platforms for both selling Portuguese products abroad and sourcing competitively priced imports.
MFG is a B2B platform tailored specifically for custom manufacturing. Portuguese businesses that produce custom parts, tools, or components can utilize MFG to connect with global buyers seeking precision manufacturing services.
You can list your manufacturing capabilities, the materials you work with, and respond to quote requests from businesses in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices. On the buyer side, Portuguese companies that require made-to-order parts or prototypes can post their project requirements and get matched with manufacturers from around the world.
This helps reduce costs and improve access to specialized suppliers. MFG is ideal for Portugal’s industrial and engineering sector, helping manufacturers grow their client base while enabling other businesses to source high-quality custom parts with ease.
If you’re planning to import or export in Portugal, it’s important to understand how the country works within the European Union.
1_Learn about EU trade rules and how Portuguese customs handle shipments.
2_Make sure your paperwork and product labeling meet these requirements.
3_It’s also smart to build strong local partnerships. Working with a trusted distributor, agent, or logistics partner in Portugal can make your business run smoothly.
4_Communication is key; using both English and Portuguese in emails or marketing builds trust and reduces confusion.
5_B2B marketplaces are a great way to test how well your product does before investing heavily. You can see what kind of demand exists and adjust your strategy.
6_Always stay updated on VAT rules, shipping costs, and required documents. This helps avoid unexpected delays or fines, keeping your business operations smooth and professional.
Portugal is a significant country for global trade, largely due to its strategic location. It sits at the edge of Europe, with strong shipping links to both EU countries and international markets. If you're importing goods into Portugal, you can also sell them across the European Union with fewer restrictions.
The Portuguese economy is stable, and the government supports business growth, especially in tech and digital industries. There’s a growing demand for imported products like beauty items, technology, tools, and machinery. It’s also very easy for foreign companies to register a business here; there’s even a “company in an hour” service.
Another big advantage is language. Portuguese is spoken in countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. That means doing trade from Portugal could help you tap into those markets too. Overall, it provides a strong foundation for companies seeking to expand internationally.
While Portugal is a great country for trade, there are a few challenges you should prepare for.
1_One of the biggest is bureaucracy. Obtaining approvals, licenses, or business documents can be a time-consuming and patient process.
2_Also, while many Portuguese professionals speak English, legal papers and customs forms are often written in Portuguese. This can cause delays if you're not fluent or don't have a local partner.
3_VAT (value-added tax) rules in Portugal are also complex, and the system can be tricky to navigate without expert help.
4_Shipping can be slow at times, especially if you need to move goods inland to smaller towns.
5_Transport costs within Portugal may be higher than expected.
6_Some sectors in Portugal prefer to work with local suppliers, so new foreign sellers may need time to build trust. Understanding these issues can help you plan better and avoid surprises.
Portugal’s growing trade environment is full of opportunities for businesses ready to buy or sell in the global B2B market. Choosing the right B2B marketplace depends on your industry, business size, and goals. Using B2B platforms smartly can help Portuguese businesses expand internationally, build lasting supplier relationships, and increase profitability. Whether you're sourcing new products or looking to grow your exports, these B2B marketplaces provide the digital bridge you need to succeed.
To verify legitimacy, always check company profiles, request business licenses or certifications, and look for third-party reviews or platform verification badges. Use platforms that offer secure communication and payment systems. It's also wise to start with smaller transactions to build trust before committing to larger deals.
Portugal follows EU trade regulations. For imports, make sure your products comply with EU safety, packaging, and labeling standards. For exports, ensure all paperwork, including invoices, packing lists, and customs declarations, is accurate. Work with a freight forwarder or customs broker to avoid delays or fines.
For international B2B trade, the most secure and commonly used methods include bank transfers (wire/SWIFT), escrow services, PayPal (for smaller transactions), and letters of credit. Always agree on payment terms in writing and use platforms that offer trade assurance or buyer protection where possible.
