In September 2024, Paraguay exports reached a total of US$687 million worth of products under the international Certificate of Origin procedures, according to official data provided by the One Export Window of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC).
Of this total, the American continent absorbed products worth US$528 million, with Brazil accounting for most of that total, with exports worth US$223 million. Argentina was the second most popular destination for exports, with US$50 million; thirdly, Chile, with US$73 million; and finally the United States, for US$24 million.
Peru and Uruguay also imported domestic products amounting to US$17 million and US$13 million respectively, for the month.
Another continent receiving a large chunk of Paraguayan exports in September was Asia, with total export trade at US$113 million. Within this block, India’s share stands out, with US$26 million; Pakistan, with US$7 million; and the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, with US$3 million each of Paraguay exports.
The European continent recorded imports of US$37 million, whilst US$7 million worth of products were shipped under Certificate of Origin to the African continent. Oceania was last, with less than US$1 million.
MIC stresses that the Certificate of Origin for Export is an important document for final producers and exporters, as it declares under oath that the goods intended for export comply with the established rules of origin.
In addition, this certificate not only offers tariff benefits in the destination country, but also allows businesses to take advantage of the import quotas available. In addition, the certificate has a period of validity of 180 days, from the date of its issue, as set out in each commercial agreement.
The cost of the document varies according to the invoice submitted by the company and the time taken to issue the certificate can range from 1 to 7 days. Payment is now made electronically, providing greater comfort and efficiency in the process, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Paraguay is regularly increasing output, both domestically and internationally, for example with sales of biodiesel up by 383% YoY, and Paraguayan national drink Tereré starting to open up global markets.
