Procurement, sourcing and import from Portugal

Purchasing products or services seems easy, but this is not always the case. How do you know that you have the best deal, especially if you haven’t done much business before in Portugal?

It already helps if you have a structured approach for your procurement and to keep your options open. Working with a local consultant or agency may help to identify more potential suppliers and to get the products that you just bought accross the border to their destination.

Find the right suppliers in Portugal

Portugal, situated in southwestern Europe, boasts a diverse economy with several key export products. Foremost among these are machinery and mechanical appliances, which include automotive parts and machinery for various industries. The country is also renowned for its textile and apparel exports, encompassing both raw materials like cotton and finished goods such as clothing and footwear. Additionally, Portugal has a strong presence in the cork industry, being one of the world’s leading producers of cork products.

In terms of wages, Portugal generally maintains a lower wage level compared to its Western European counterparts, though it has seen gradual increases in recent years. This places it below countries like Spain and France but above Eastern European nations. The cost of living in Portugal is moderate, contributing to its attractiveness for both tourists and businesses seeking cost-effective operations within the European Union.

Portugal has carved out a niche in specific outsourced activities, notably in information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO). Lisbon and Porto have emerged as hubs for tech startups and multinational companies outsourcing IT services, leveraging a skilled, multilingual workforce. This sector’s growth underscores Portugal’s transition to a knowledge-based economy while fostering innovation and economic resilience.

Shipping your products

If you purchase tangible products, you have to ship them out of the country. Depending on the country where you want these goods, this may have implications.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial barriers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

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A structured sourcing approach in Portugal

Step 1

Supplier search

Try to identify in total 6 to 10 possible suppliers and check their websites. Approach them with a general request to see whether they have the products or services you need.

Step 2

Supplier selection

Submit your requirements to a group of three to five selected suppliers and ensure you get the right comparable quotations to make a choice. Negotiate with one or two of them to get the best result.

Step 3

Supplier management

Now start collaborating, making sure you have an efficient ordering process and limited risks where it comes to quality control and shipping the products.