Portuguese companies in international trade

International trade plays a central role in the Portuguese economy, with imports and exports accounting for around 43% and 44% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) respectively in 2018. The weight of trade in Portuguese economic activity as a whole has increased consistently since the 1960s and has risen sharply in the last decade. This development has contributed to economic growth and to correcting the serious macroeconomic imbalances that led to the 2011-2014 Economic and Financial Assistance Programme. The developments over the last two decades correspond to progressive adaptation of national companies to the new realities of international trade.

This study by Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos seeks to understand the reality of these companies, identifying:

• the characteristics of Portuguese export companies
• what type of goods and services they export
• which companies perform best
• how much they pay their employees
• what difficulties and obstacles they face.

Through this study, Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos seeks to provide the interested public with more in-depth information about this increasingly important aspect of the Portuguese economy, thus contributing to more informed debate on public policies for the Portuguese export sector.