Conceptual illustration of manufacturing activity; it does not depict a real company or factory.
Published: 27 October 2026 · Radar Inversión
Maquila industries recorded 36,382 associated jobs at the end of September 2026, up 4% year on year, according to Paraguay’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIC). The figures show significant industrial employment, alongside concentration by activity and territory.
Production concentration
Five activities account for 71% of maquila employment: garments (8,431 jobs), auto parts (7,865), intangible services (3,989), plastics (2,985) and chemicals and pharmaceuticals (2,583). Alto Paraná, Central, Amambay and Asunción account for 92% of companies with approved programmes.
Exports and employment are different measures
From January to September, the MIC reported USD 1.148 billion in exports and USD 605 million in imports under the regime. These flows should not automatically be equated with locally generated value added: wages, domestic services, energy, productivity and purchases from suppliers also matter.
Radar perspective
The sector’s development should be assessed through formal employment, local purchasing and territorial diversification, as well as exports.
Primary source: official authority
The periods and indicators cited are those reported by the sources; they do not imply confirmed subsequent results.