Sections
QR code payments already account for 68.1% of electronic transactions in Paraguay, with 20.2 million operations in April 2026, up 61% from 2025. The technology boosts financial inclusion for micro and small businesses.
bancardWhile 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.
faxcarneFrom June 3 to 6, the Itaipu Binacional hydroelectric plant on the Paraguay-Brazil border will host the 38th meeting of UNESCO's International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC). The event, with about 250 participants from 34 countries, will focus on clean energy and natural reserve management.
unescoitaipuThe president of the Paraguayan-American Chamber of Commerce, Elías Saba, highlighted Paraguay's favorable conditions for attracting investments, generating jobs, and strengthening educational programs, emphasizing the importance of international trade and the partnership with the United States.
amchamParaguay's Consumer Confidence Index (ICC) fell to 40.17 points in April 2026, the lowest level since the series began, reversing the slight improvement seen in March. The decline occurs despite the depreciation of the dollar, reflecting internal and external uncertainties, including the so‑called 'war economy' announced by the former Minister of Economy.
carlos-fernandez-valdovinosParaguay's Consumer Confidence Index (ICC) fell to 40.17 points in April 2026, a drop of 11.15 points from March, returning to pessimistic territory. The Economic Situation Index (ISE) plunged to 29.33 points, while the Economic Expectations Index (IEE) stood at 51 points, still in optimistic territory. Only 15.5% of respondents said they had conditions to save, and the intention to purchase durable goods fell, except for housing. The Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP) released the data.
consumer-confidenceparaguay-economyicciseieeDespite the reduction of monetary poverty to around 16% in 2025, the organization PRODesarrollo warns that the improvement in indicators coexists with a fragile economic base, marked by informality, low productivity, and household indebtedness.
Jorge Aranda, a Bolt driver, accepted a duck as part of payment for a trip in Ypané, Paraguay. The story went viral on social media.
boltjorge-arandaypaneJorge Aranda, a driver for the Bolt platform, accepted a duck as payment after a passenger from Ypané had no money for the ride. The animal, a female, was given as a Mother's Day gift to the driver's mother.
ypaneboltTraders and consumers at Mercado Municipal N.º 1 report that meal prices have risen due to increases in gas and other inputs. To save money, customers order half portions, while cooks face the challenge of retaining clientele without fully passing on costs.
mercado-municipal-no-1Parishes in Asunción and the Central Department have started accepting donations via QR Code, adapting to the growth of digital payments and preventing worshippers from relying on cash during services.
qr-codeAmid complaints from pre-candidates for councilor about alleged parallel cash funds at Mercado 4 and the Asunción Bus Station, the market director, Alejandro Buzó, classified the accusations as 'urban legends' and stated that revenue collection is completely transparent. He challenged the whistleblowers to present concrete evidence.
mercado-4alejandro-buzoNegotiations between Florentino Pérez and Jorge Mendes have reportedly advanced, with a verbal agreement for a two-season contract. Official announcement depends on the electoral scenario at the club.
real-madridjose-mourinhoParaguay's National Electricity Administration (ANDE) is considering postponing the update of residential and commercial tariffs until negotiations with Brazil on the new Annex C of the Itaipu Treaty are concluded, expected by mid-year. The state-owned company's president, engineer Félix Sosa, stated that the final tariff will directly depend on this binational agreement, which will define the price of energy generated by the hydroelectric plant.
andeitaipufelix-sosaWith expectations of a record flow of visitors during winter break, the business sector of Ciudad del Este demands the full opening of the Puente de la Integración. Diplomatic negotiations with Brazil are stalled over demands for strict migration controls, while the city prepares for an economic boom that could generate up to 50,000 new jobs.
puente-de-la-integracionciudad-del-esteThe Paraguayan Road Chamber (Cavialpa) demands from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) the regulation of the factoring system to settle state debts with contractors. The sector warns that delays force private indebtedness and that current payments do not reduce the accumulated liability.
deficit-fiscalcavialpamefThe Comptroller General of the Republic is studying legal measures to impose fines and sanctions on former public officials who leave office without updating their sworn declaration of assets, a practice that hinders the detection of illicit enrichment. Currently, the law only requires the submission of the document for salary payment, but does not provide for punishment for those leaving public service.
Research by employment specialist Enrique López Arce reveals that about 40,000 Paraguayan mothers face discrimination in hiring, with 35% of households having women as the main breadwinner.
Pre-candidates for councilor of the Municipal Board of Asunción denounce the existence of an irregular collection system in municipal markets and the Bus Station, which allegedly diverts funds for electoral campaigns. Ever Escalante, from the Colorado Añetete movement, claims that only in Market 4 around 100 million guaranis would be collected per day.
ever-escalanteThree pre-candidates for councilor in the Paraguayan capital denounced the existence of parallel cash collection systems in Markets 4 and Abasto, as well as at the Asunción Bus Station, with daily collections allegedly reaching 100 million guaranis. They claim the scheme has been operating for over eight years and involves municipal employees and outsiders.
The Itaipú Binational Entity completes 52 years since its formal constitution, consolidated as the world's largest clean energy generator, responsible for about 90% of Paraguay's electricity consumption and holder of the Guinness record for the largest accumulated hydroelectric power generation.
itaipuguinness-world-recordsParaguay's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) has launched the fourth edition of Expo eCommerce, to be held on May 21, 2026, focusing on reducing the digital gap among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). National Director of Entrepreneurship Romina Da Re highlighted that only 15% of MSMEs have their own e-commerce platform, despite the sector representing 70% of employment and 24% of the country's commercial activity. The event, organized by the Paraguayan Chamber of Electronic Commerce with support from the Vice Ministry of MSMEs, will offer training in digital sales, payment methods, artificial intelligence, and financial inclusion.
expo-ecommerceThe 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.
After 16 years of absence, the qualification of the Paraguayan National Team for the 2030 World Cup, under the command of Gustavo Alfaro, generates economic expectations and international projection. Group D, with the United States, Turkey, and Australia, opens opportunities for the Country Brand, agribusiness, tourism, and sectors such as clothing and technology, with emphasis on the digitalization of MSMEs.
gustavo-alfaroThe country sees macroeconomic deterioration, with a structural deficit above 2% of GDP and exhaustion of growth engines: labor force and hydroelectric power. Experts point to the need for deep reforms and credible commitments.
fiscal-deficititaipuyacyretalabor-forceWhile the Brazilian side already has seven artificial beaches, Paraguay has only one. Regional workshops bring together 16 municipalities to consolidate a sustainable tourism corridor around the reservoir.
General Motors presented the new Chevrolet Sonic in Brazil, an urban SUV with a coupe style that will be produced in Gravataí and arrives in Paraguay in June. GM's president for South America, Thomas Owsianski, highlighted that every market counts, including Paraguay, where the model will be sold starting at US$ 19,990.
chevrolet-sonicgeneral-motorsThe Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) launched the 4th Expo eCommerce 2026, focused on reducing the digital gap for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 70% of employment in the country. Only 15% of them have their own e-commerce platform, while 80% of Paraguayans shop online.
expo-ecommercemicData from the Bancard platform indicates a 24% increase in electronic payments in Paraguay between January and April 2026, with notable growth in debit (+32%) and a reduction in the average ticket, reflecting greater use of own funds and atomization of consumption.
bancardThree armed men with their faces covered invaded the Ña Rumi store in the Kuruzu de Hierro community, Concepción, taking money and five cell phones. The police are investigating the case.
concepcionkuruzu-de-hierroThe Association of Christian Entrepreneurs (ADEC) will hold its International Congress in June, with the theme of Fair Play applied to the business world. The event seeks to promote fair dealings and businesses with a 'human face', aligned with the Social Doctrine of the Church and the Year of the Common Good proclaimed by the Paraguayan Episcopal Conference for 2026.
adecfair-playWhile buying vehicles becomes more affordable, filling the basic food basket weighs increasingly on Paraguayans' pockets, reveals an analysis by economist Jorge Garicoche.
jorge-garicocheOpposition councilors of J. Augusto Saldívar denounce the Comptroller General of the Republic, Camilo Benítez, and the Deputy Comptroller, Augusto Paiva, for unblocking royalties without payment of overdue allowances. They filed an impeachment request in the Chamber of Deputies, which summoned the authorities for explanations.
j-augusto-saldivarroyaltiesimpeachmentchristian-dominguezHundreds of tourists and shoppers flocked to Ciudad del Este on Mother's Day, undeterred by cold and rain, as family outings replaced typical bulk buying, with perfumes, video game consoles, and electronics leading sales.
ciudad-del-esteCiudad del Este sees a significant commercial uptick as Paraguayans and Brazilian tourists flock to the city for last-minute Mother's Day gifts, with traders reporting brisk sales and urging the opening of a second bridge to ease future congestion.
mothers-dayciudad-del-esteOn Mother's Day, many working mothers in Paraguay, particularly at Mercado N.º 4, began their day early, balancing commerce and family responsibilities, highlighting their resilience.
mercado-n-4On Mother's Day, a look at the invisible economic contribution of Paraguayan mothers, who dedicate 61% of their time to unpaid care work, and a historic court decision that for the first time factored in the 'cost of upbringing' when setting child support.
According to data from Paraguay's National Institute of Statistics (INE) reported by Ultima Hora, 876,000 mothers are employed, making up 25.6% of the workforce. However, they face significant wage gaps, high informality, and workplace prejudices, especially against pregnant women and mothers of young children.
ineTo achieve its goal of doubling GDP by 2035, Paraguay must add roughly 7,000 megawatts of new power—equivalent to half of Itaipu's capacity—or risk an energy bottleneck, according to a study by the Industrial Union of Paraguay (UIP) and projections from the national electricity authority ANDE.
paraguay-2xitaipuuipandeDr. Julia Acuña, president of the Paraguayan Society of Pediatrics, cautions that honey and homemade infusions like anise or chamomile tea should not be given to young children due to risks of botulism, intoxication, and high sugar content, emphasizing exclusive breastfeeding in early months.
Paraguay's INE reports 1.43 million mothers, 876,000 employed, and 36% of households headed by mothers. Despite rising labor participation, challenges remain in informal work, pay equity, and care burdens.
mothersinformal-economyine-statisticsEconomist Víctor Raúl Benítez argues that despite strong GDP growth, inequality and corruption prevent macroeconomic gains from benefiting most Paraguayans, citing a concentration of income among the richest 20%.
victor-raul-benitezParaguay’s Tax Administration (DNIT) reports 963 companies enrolled in the Régimen de Turismo de Compras (RTC), a special VAT scheme for foreign buyers. Ciudad del Este hosts two-thirds of the firms, highlighting the border-city dominance of this trade-driven sector.
turismoshopping-tourismvat-regimeParaguay's Olimpia is negotiating to extend the loan of 23-year-old forward Romeo Benítez until 2027, as the player has become a key figure under coach Pablo "Vitamina" Sánchez, according to El Nacional.
olimpiaromeo-benitezathletico-paranaensepablo-sanchezA recent analysis by ABC Color highlights how Latin America continues to miss opportunities to harness economic competition as a driver for growth and development, drawing on a new BID publication that underscores the virtuous cycle of competition.
bidParaguay's digital payment consumption rose 24% in the first four months of 2026, driven by everyday purchases via QR and mobile phones, with debit cards outpacing credit and supermarkets accounting for 28% of transactions.
qr-codebancardAs Paraguay prepares for Mother's Day, Asunción's Mercado 4 is packed with shoppers seeking gifts ranging from foreign cheeses to eternal roses, according to C9N.
mercado-4PAM Hotels is expanding its offerings for Paraguayan travelers, reporting a 50% increase in visitors to the Caribbean over two years. The chain highlights personalized travel, destination weddings, and new properties like AVA Resort Cancun and a future UNICO hotel in Jamaica.
pam-hotelsThe Asunción Stock Exchange (BVA) saw a 1% drop in trading volume in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, driven by bank liquidity recovery and unclear interest rate trends, according to broker Cadiem and reported by Ultima Hora.
cadiemParaguay's Museo de Economía will open on May 14 and 16, 2026, offering a journey through the country's economic history with digital and virtual reality elements, as part of the 215th Independence Day celebrations.
museu-da-economiaThe Pozuelo Natural Reserve in Canindeyú, Paraguay, spans 5,521 hectares of Atlantic Forest and wetlands, safeguarding biodiversity and the Itaipú reservoir. Created in 2014 by Itaipú Binacional, it serves as a biological corridor and research hub, according to Ultima Hora.
itaipu-binacionalcanindeyu