Paraguay’s foreign trades concluded December 2025 with a total of US$16.7 billion, according to the latest report from the Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP). This represents a 5.8% increase compared to the figures recorded in 2024. Of this total, registered exports accounted for 66%, while re-exports, bolstered by regional commercial activity, accounted for 27.4%. Other export categories made up the remaining 6.6%.
The increase in registered exports was primarily driven by higher international sales of beef, maize, and soybean oil, reflecting Paraguay’s continued strength as a global food provider. Meanwhile, shipments under the maquila (contract manufacturing) regime reached US$1,2 billion. This represents a solid 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting the sector’s growing competitiveness.
Imports and foreign trades balance
By the end of December 2025, total imports amounted to US$18,1 billion, accounting for a 10.6% increase over the previous year. This rise in imports was driven by higher demand for consumer goods and industrial inputs. Registered imports represented 95.8% of the total, while other imports made up the remaining 4.2%. In terms of volume, there was an overall increase of 10.5%.
As a result of higher import spending relative to export growth, the foreign trade balance for 2025 recorded a deficit of around US$1,4 billion. This stands in contrast to the surplus of US$573.4 million recorded at the close of December 2024.
Strong investment momentum
Looking ahead, the trade landscape is set to be bolstered by significant internal growth and capital inflows. In 2025, Paraguay saw more than 140 strategic investment projects worth nearly US$700 million. Those projects are projected to create 5,500 new jobs in key industrial zones. This international confidence is echoed by the Vice Ministry of the Investment and Export Network (REDIEX), which identified over 2,300 companies from 41 countries interested in establishing local operations.
By strengthening the nation’s industrial base and production capacity, these investments are poised to revitalise foreign trade. The aim is to have a more robust, balanced economic performance in 2026.
