The country scored 20.3 out of a possible 22 in the OECD’s Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFI), outperforming the average of what the organization defines as global “best practices,” which stands at 18.3 points.

The OECD’s latest analysis, published this week, assesses how 48 economies simplify and streamline the technical and legal procedures involved in cross-border trade measures that are increasingly crucial as global supply chains become more interconnected and time-sensitive.

Portugal’s strong performance reflects its commitment to transparency, fairness, and modern governance in trade-related processes. Among the 11 evaluated categories, the country achieved the maximum score in two key areas: impartiality and governance. These indicators assess customs transparency, ethical standards, and institutional accountability. Portugal also scored highly in documentation, a category related to the acceptance of international standards and harmonized procedures.

The OECD emphasized that these indicators are data-driven and fact-based, focusing on real-world implementation. This includes factors such as how quickly new trade regulations are enacted, the percentage of shipments that can be pre-cleared before reaching the border, and the breadth of certified trader programs.

Each indicator is scored on a scale of 0 to 2, where 2 represents the optimal environment for trade facilitation. Portugal’s overall score places it in the same league as high-performing economies like the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the UK, and Finland.

That said, the report also highlighted areas for improvement. Portugal scored lower in the category of procedural formalities, which includes bureaucratic efficiency and administrative simplification. With a score of 1.66 in this domain, the country shows room to further streamline its processes, reduce red tape, and increase operational agility which are the steps that could further boost its competitiveness.

In a regional comparison, Portugal edges out neighboring Spain, which scored 20.0 points. This slight advantage reflects Portugal’s increasing sophistication in regulatory practices and digital trade infrastructure.

The OECD underscores that these insights are not just about ranking countries, but certainly they are meant to guide policymakers in identifying challenges and opportunities. For both developed and developing economies, understanding where they stand on trade facilitation can help shape more effective policies that attract investment, support exporters, and integrate more fully into global markets.

Portugal’s performance affirms its position as a forward-thinking, rules-based economy and an attractive environment for international trade and investment, and a valuable partner in an increasingly complex global trading system.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes