While Mercosur recorded an 8% increase in beef exports between January and April 2026, Paraguay saw a 25% contraction, the largest relative decline in the bloc. The average price per ton rose 17%, but shipped volume fell to 87,899 tons.
Mercosur
Bloque regional sudamericano que incluye a Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina y Brasil.
While the European Union restricts imports of Brazilian beef due to the use of antibiotics as growth promoters, Paraguay claims to have already complied with the regulation since 2023/2024, ensuring the continuity of its exports to the bloc.
The trade treaty between the European Union and Mercosur promises preferential access and tariff reductions for Paraguayan exports, but imposes challenges of competitiveness and adaptation to sanitary and quality standards.
Paraguay's maquila sector recorded exports of US$ 471 million between January and April 2026, an increase of US$ 83 million compared to the same period in 2025. Growth was driven by auto parts, food, clothing, and aluminum, which accounted for 71% of shipments. The regime generated 35,357 direct jobs, 45% held by women, and approved 24 new programs with projected investment of US$ 57 million.