Paraguay’s pork exports expanded significantly compared to the start of 2025. Meanwhile, meat exports presented a mixed performance during the first two months of 2026, compared to the same period of 2025. Exports of beef and poultry recorded notable declines. This reflects shifts in demand and market dynamics across Paraguay’s main international destinations.
According to the data by the National Service of Quality and Animal Health (SENACSA), Paraguay’s pork exports increased both in volume and value between January and February. On the other hand, the country’s traditionally dominant beef industry experienced a reduction in shipments abroad. Despite this, it continues to generate the largest share of export revenues within Paraguay’s livestock sector.
Paraguay’s pork exports continue expanding
During the first two months of the year, Paraguay’s pork exports represented a 24% increase compared to the period of 2025. The country exported approximately 2,692,018 kilograms of pork. This consolidates the sector’s gradual expansion within Paraguay’s livestock export portfolio.
A significant proportion of these shipments was directed to Taiwan. The Asian country absorbed around 88% of Paraguay’s total pork exports during this period. The growing trade relationship between the two markets has been a key driver of the sector’s recent growth. This allows Paraguayan producers to increase both production and export volumes.
In terms of revenue, Paraguay’s pork exports generated nearly US$6 million between January and February. With the increase in the value of these exports at the start of 2026, not only are higher values highlighted, but also stronger international prices for Paraguayan pork products.
Offal exports recorded
In addition to the increase in Paraguay’s pork exports, the offal sector also appears in the international trade data during the first two months of 2026. Around 65,000 kilograms of these products were shipped abroad. This marks a notable change from the same period in 2025, when no exports of this category were registered.
The appearance of offal exports reflects an expansion of product diversification within Paraguay’s pork industry. By exporting additional by-products, producers can improve profitability and make more efficient use of livestock processing outputs.
Beef exports decline
In contrast to the growth observed in Paraguay’s pork exports, shipments of Paraguayan beef recorded a decline during the same period. According to SENACSA data, exports of beef between January and February fell by 26% compared to the first two months of 2025.
During this period, Paraguay exported approximately 44.38 million kilograms of beef to international markets. These shipments generated around US$287.9 million in export revenue. The total value represents a decrease of roughly 15% compared with the figures recorded during the same months of the previous year.
Despite the decline, as mentioned before, beef continues to be Paraguay’s most important meat export product. The country maintains a diversified portfolio of international buyers. Chile remains the principal destination for Paraguayan beef exports.
After Chile, the largest destinations during the first months of 2025 were Israel and the United States, followed by Taiwan. Other markets purchasing Paraguayan beef include Brazil, Canada, Kuwait, Germany, and Russia. The diversity of these destinations illustrates the broad international reach of Paraguay’s beef industry despite short-term fluctuations in export volumes.
Shifting dynamics of Paraguay’s meat industry
The contrasting trends observed during the first months of 2026 reflect the evolving dynamics of Paraguay’s meat export sector. While beef remains the main and leading livestock export product, the steady expansion of Paraguay’s pork exports demonstrates the growing importance of diversification within Paraguay’s agricultural economy. International demand continues to shift, and new markets develop. This is why the ability of Paraguayan producers to adapt will remain a key factor.
