Paraguay’s foreign trade balance registered a substantial surplus of US$746.6 million in the first half of 2026, driven by a powerful surge in exports. Total exports reached US$10.16 billion, marking a significant 23.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025. These figures were detailed in the latest economic report from the Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP), highlighting a robust performance in the nation’s external sector. The strong export growth significantly outpaced the rise in imports, leading to the US$746M trade surplus.
The comprehensive data provides a clear picture of the country’s trade dynamics, showing strength across various export categories. This impressive overall performance reflects increased international demand for Paraguayan goods and the successful efforts of local producers to meet that demand. The surplus is a welcome development, contributing to the stability of the national economy and the accumulation of foreign currency reserves.
A detailed breakdown of export performance
An analysis of the export data reveals that registered exports, which are goods produced domestically, constituted the largest share of the total. This category accounted for 64.5% of all exports, amounting to US$6.55 billion. Furthermore, registered exports demonstrated strong momentum with a year-on-year increase of 19.3%, underscoring the vitality of Paraguay’s productive sectors. This growth indicates a healthy expansion in the output of national industries and agriculture, which form the backbone of the country’s export economy.
Re-exports also made a significant contribution, representing 25.6% of the total with shipments valued at US$2.60 billion. This segment, which involves the re-shipment of previously imported goods, saw a healthy increase of 16.3%. However, the biggest growth was observed in the ‘other exports’ category. Although this segment represented a smaller portion of the total at 9.9%, it experienced a phenomenal increase of 105.4%, reaching a value of US$1 billion. This exceptional growth rate points towards emerging or rapidly expanding areas within Paraguay’s trade activities.
Key products fuelling the export boom
The BCP report identifies several key products as the primary drivers behind this positive export behaviour. Increased shipments of agricultural commodities were particularly influential, with soybeans and soybean oil leading the charge. These products are fundamental pillars of the Paraguayan economy, and their strong performance on the international market is crucial for generating foreign revenue. The higher volumes and values recorded for these goods reflect favourable conditions and strong global demand.
In addition to these core agricultural products, the report also highlighted growth in the export of beverages, alcoholic liquids, and vinegar. The expansion in this category suggests a degree of diversification in Paraguay’s export portfolio. By strengthening sales in non-traditional sectors, the country can build a more resilient trade profile that is less dependent on a few key commodities. This diversification is a positive sign for the long-term sustainability of Paraguay’s economic growth.
An overview of import activity
On the other side of the trade equation, total imports also saw growth, though at a more moderate rate than exports. During the first six months of 2026, total imports reached US$9.42 billion. This figure signifies a 9.6% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. The steady rise in imports is indicative of sustained domestic demand for foreign goods, raw materials, and capital equipment, reflecting ongoing economic activity within the country.
The vast majority of this import value, specifically 97.9%, was classified under registered imports, which totalled US$9.2 billion. In a contrasting trend, the smaller category of ‘other imports’ experienced a notable decline. This segment decreased by 18.3% year-on-year, with its value falling to US$195.8 million. Ultimately, the controlled growth in imports, combined with the explosive rise in exports, created the conditions for the US$746M trade surplus.
Also read: Paraguayan Meat Exports Surpass US$1.1 Billion In First Half Of 2026.
