Taiwan has officially opened its market to poultry meat exports from Paraguay, marking a milestone in the trade relationship between the two nations. The poultry approval was confirmed during a high-level meeting between Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te during a diplomatic visit to the Asian country.
The authorisation is a crucial step in strengthening the economic partnership between the allies. Consequently, Paraguay now gains entry for all three of its primary meat export products, including beef and pork, into the lucrative Taiwanese market.
A major opportunity for Paraguayan producers
The opening of this market presents a substantial opportunity for Paraguay’s burgeoning poultry industry. The Taiwanese market for imported poultry meat is considerable, representing an estimated 200,000 tonnes annually. Furthermore, this volume carries a significant monetary value, currently estimated at approximately US$340 million per year. Access to such a large and valuable consumer base is expected to provide a major boost to the nation’s poultry producers and exporters, stimulating economic activity and growth within the sector.
This authorisation also places Paraguay in a select group of international suppliers approved to serve the Taiwanese market. Previously, only certain states within the United States held the necessary approvals to export poultry products to Taiwan.
Building on established success in meat exports
This new poultry approval builds upon the considerable success Paraguay has already achieved with its pork exports to Taiwan. Indeed, Taiwan has become a cornerstone market for Paraguayan pork, a relationship that has deepened significantly following the implementation of a zero-tariff agreement. This agreement was established in July 2025.
As a direct result of this favourable trade environment, Paraguay has rapidly become the dominant supplier in the market. The country now provides more than 85%of all pork imported into Taiwan, a testament to the quality of its product and the strength of the trade relationship. This remarkable market penetration has consolidated Paraguay’s position as a reliable and preferred source. Subsequently, this success has transformed the domestic pork industry, positioning it as the fastest-growing meat production sector in Paraguay.
Projected growth and investment in the poultry sector
Following the successful blueprint established by the pork industry, there are high expectations for the poultry sector. Initial estimates project that annual poultry exports could generate around US$15 million for the Paraguayan economy. This new revenue stream is anticipated to stimulate further growth and development within the industry, creating new opportunities for businesses and workers alike. The government and private sector are now working to scale up production to meet the anticipated demand from Taiwan.
The Paraguayan government is actively working to capitalise on this new market access. Specifically, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) is promoting poultry production among the nation’s small-scale farmers. This initiative aims to ensure that the economic benefits of this trade deal are distributed broadly across the agricultural community.
Poultry approval: Private investment incoming
In addition to government support, the poultry industry is also attracting significant private investment, signalling strong confidence in its future. For instance, the company Pluma has announced a major investment project in Yhú, located in the department of Caaguazú.
The firm plans to invest US$50 million in new production facilities, a move that is expected to create numerous jobs and significantly increase national production capacity.
