Paraguay has taken two significant steps to strengthen its position in global meat markets. During January 2026, the country is advancing export negotiations with Türkiye while consolidating access to the United Arab Emirates. The developments reflect the country’s broader strategy to diversify destinations and deepen trade ties beyond traditional partners.
Türkiye begins audit for beef and live cattle exports
The National Service for Animal Quality and Health (SENACSA) confirmed that Türkiye has launched an official audit. These procedures are part of the approval process to import Paraguayan beef and live cattle. The technical mission began the last week of January 2026. The audit agenda includes inspections of Senacsa’s central laboratory, regional, and zonal health offices. Also, animal transit control posts, border entry points, livestock establishments, and export slaughterhouses. Authorities aim to demonstrate compliance with Turkish sanitary and traceability standards.
Officials see the audit as a key opportunity to expand Paraguayan beef exports into a high-demand Eurasian market. The opening meeting was led by Senacsa’s Director General of Technical Services, Dr Primo Ricardo Feltes. The session was attended by Türkiye’s ambassador to Paraguay, Yavuz Kül, along with representatives from the Vice Ministry of Economic Relations and Integration, auditors, and senior institutional officials.
UAE approves Paraguayan sheep meat exports
In parallel, Paraguay has secured formal approval to export sheep meat, both bone-in and boneless, to the United Arab Emirates. The decision is expected to accelerate growth in the ovine sector and open new income opportunities for local producers.
The approval was confirmed during a meeting in Dubai between Senacsa president José Carlos Martin and authorities from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. During the same meeting, both sides agreed on a sanitary certification model for poultry meat and poultry products. Authorities anticipate further progress by May in the approval process for Paraguayan slaughterhouses seeking access to the UAE market.
These developments align with Paraguay’s expanding economic relationship with the Arabian Peninsula. As previously analysed, cooperation with Gulf countries has evolved from sporadic trade into a structured partnership focused on food security and logistics. Together, the Türkiye audit and the UAE approvals highlight Paraguay’s ambition to position its meat industry as a reliable supplier on a global scale.
