Radar Inversión | Agribusiness and Exports | 4 November 2026. Paraguay's sesame-seed exports reached USD 43.2 million from January through September 2026, according to the central bank's foreign trade report. That was 7.7% below the USD 46.7 million recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. The economic opportunity lies in better productivity, processing and stronger margins, rather than claiming the export value is rising.
Established international market access
On 30 October, the Paraguay–Brazil Chamber of Commerce reported that Paraguay habitually sells sesame to 35–40 markets. Japan and Mexico are longstanding destinations, alongside other markets in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Quality and food-safety standards underpin Paraguay's position.
Sector information indicated shipments of about 26,760 tonnes worth USD 38.8 million through August. That is an earlier cutoff, not an additional amount to add to the central bank's September total.
Potential for more processing
Hulled sesame and potentially sesame oil for export offer higher-value processing opportunities, but require capital, traceability, consistent quality, scale and compliance with import-market requirements. These opportunities do not constitute confirmed factory investments or signed contracts.
Mechanisation could improve cost competitiveness. Industry expectations for the next crop suggest yields of 500–700 kilograms per hectare; these are forecasts, not realised harvest results.
Radar assessment
Sesame is important for Paraguay's smallholders and export diversification. Investors should monitor realised prices, volumes, processing capacity, margins, and executed commercial commitments. In a period of falling export receipts, capturing more value per tonne may be more useful than increasing output alone.
Sources: BCP, September 2026 trade report; Paraguay–Brazil Chamber of Commerce, 30 October 2026.
Original conceptual illustration by Radar Inversión; not a depiction of any specific company or export transaction.
