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Paraguay's Agricultural Exports Broaden as Chia Reaches New European Markets

Paraguay’s agricultural export sector is showing a broader geographical reach in 2026. August trade data point to strong soybean-related exports, while smaller crops such as chia are reaching additional European destinations, reinforcing diversification beyond the country’s traditional bulk commodities.

23 September 2026

Paraguay exported more than USD 813 million of goods under Certificates of Origin in August, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC), with cereals and oilseeds accounting for USD 236 million among the ten leading destination markets. The figures underline the continuing importance of agriculture and agro-industry in the country’s external trade.

Soy remains the main driver

The Central Bank of Paraguay reported that registered exports reached USD 9.03 billion in the first eight months of 2026, 18.9% more than in the same period of 2025. The increase was driven principally by higher shipments of soybeans, soybean oil and soybean meal, confirming the central role of the soy complex in Paraguay’s export performance.

The strength of these products also creates opportunities further along the value chain. In August, Yemen received a single bulk shipment of Paraguayan soybean meal valued at USD 8.8 million, showing that processed agricultural products are reaching markets well beyond South America.

Chia is widening Paraguay’s European footprint

At the same time, smaller agricultural products are opening additional destinations. MIC data for August record exports of conventional black chia seeds to Croatia worth USD 101,520, Bulgaria worth USD 47,110 and Lithuania worth USD 40,367. The individual values are modest compared with soy, but they illustrate the growing geographical reach of a crop in which Paraguay has developed a significant export position.

SENAVE reported that Paraguay exported chia to 75 countries in 2025, generating approximately USD 222 million. The crop is therefore becoming a useful example of how Paraguayan agriculture can combine large-scale commodity production with specialised products sold into a much wider range of markets.

Phytosanitary access supports diversification

Market expansion depends not only on production capacity but also on phytosanitary access. SENAVE says that 42 new international markets were enabled for Paraguayan agricultural products during 2025, while more than 100 existing markets were maintained. The agency also introduced digital phytosanitary certification for exports and re-exports, aimed at reducing processing times and logistics costs.

For producers and exporters, diversification can reduce dependence on a limited number of buyers and create higher-value opportunities for crops suited to specialised demand. It also broadens Paraguay’s commercial presence in Europe, where traceability, phytosanitary compliance and product consistency are particularly important.

Agriculture remains central to export growth

The latest figures do not change Paraguay’s basic export structure: soy, cereals, meat and other primary or agro-industrial products remain dominant. What is changing is the number of destinations and the mix of products reaching them. The combination of strong volumes in major commodities and gradual expansion of niche crops gives Paraguay’s agricultural sector a broader international base as it enters the final quarter of 2026.

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