Paraguay has taken a new step in its strategy for commercial integration in Asia. The country realised the completion of its first poultry meat export to the Philippines. The market was officially opened to Paraguay two months ago. The consignment of a 40-foot refrigerated containers, carrying 27 tonnes of boneless chicken thighs with skin, packed in 2,250 boxes of 12 kilograms. The shipment meets all required sanitary and commercial specifications. This marks the opening of a new window of opportunity for Paraguay.
The achievement is part of the trade strategy promoted by the Government with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The association consists of 10 countries and collectively represents over 700 million inhabitants. The ASEAN as a GDP exceeding US$3.9 trillion, establishing itself as the fifth-largest economy in the world. Early in 2025, Singapore also open its door to Paraguayan products.
Poultry generating opportunity abroad
Gerónimo Vargas Peña, General Manager of Pollos Kzero, the company exporting the poultry meat, highlighted that entry into the Philippine market represents, “a historic milestone for the Paraguayan poultry industry.” He emphasised that Philippine demand for various cuts of chicken generates opportunities for the entire production chain. From the creation of jobs to the increased demand for raw materials such as maize.
Vargas explained that Southeast Asia is a strategic market due to its high consumption of animal protein and the preference for different cuts, which allows Paraguay to diversify its product range and advance the sector’s industrialisation through higher value-added products.
‘The most attractive market for chicken meat’
“For us, it is not just one of the markets, but the most attractive market for chicken meat. Not only because of the population in the region, but because they are rapidly increasing their consumption of animal protein. In Southeast Asia, there is a market for chicken breast, for wings, thighs, and other cuts,” Vargas added.
When asked about the value chain generated by the poultry industry, the company representative explained that the firm employs nearly 2,000 people, and that achieving expansion into other markets with good pricing could facilitate significant growth with a major impact, not only on direct and indirect employment, but also on product processing and the balance of trade.
Joint effort
Vargas asserted that no export drive can be led solely by the private sector. “This is a joint effort with the various government institutions, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Foreign Relations, and, obviously, Senacsa, which is very important here, and they are the ones who open the door for us.”
He added that afterwards, it is up to the private sector to adjust its product offering to gain entry into these markets, but if the government does not take the initial step, it is impossible for the private sector to gain access, he noted. Meanwhile, Javier Viveros, Deputy Minister of Rediex, pointed out that this first export constitutes concrete progress in positioning Paraguay in the Asian market.
According to data from the National Service of Quality and Animal Health (Senacsa), Paraguayan poultry meat shipments had reached approximately US$9 million by October, with Albania as the main destination, followed by Vietnam and Iraq.
