Economy and foreign trade · October 14, 2026 · Radar Inversión
Paraguay's central bank (BCP) reported on October 13 that total exports reached USD 15,972.6 million in January–September 2026, up 25.7% from the same period in 2025. Imports totaled USD 15,260.6 million, an increase of 15.0%, leaving a cumulative trade surplus of USD 712 million.
Three different components of exports
The BCP separates registered exports of USD 10,223.4 million, up 19.7%; re-exports of USD 3,989.3 million, up 18.7%; and other exports of USD 1,759.8 million, up 117.5%. These accounted for 64%, 25% and 11% of the total, respectively.
This distinction matters: the total value of export flows should not be mistaken for the value of goods produced entirely in Paraguay. Re-exporting goods is economically different from producing goods domestically for sale abroad.
Soybeans, processed products and maquila
The central bank attributes growth in registered exports primarily to increased shipments of soybeans, soybean oil and soybean meal. Estimating actual output growth requires separating volume effects from price movements.
Exports under the maquila regime reached USD 1,149.3 million, up 29.0% year on year. This is an indicator of manufacturing activity integrated with external markets, but it is a specific export regime and must not be added again to the USD 15,972.6 million total.
Imports and the trade surplus
Registered imports came to USD 14,949.1 million, while other imports totaled USD 311.5 million. Although Paraguay maintained a positive balance, the cumulative surplus through September (USD 712 million) was slightly below the USD 716.9 million reported through August. Export growth does not automatically mean a widening trade surplus.
Why businesses and investors should care
Stronger export flows may generate demand for transport, logistics infrastructure, warehousing, production inputs and industrial capacity, but each investment case requires its own evidence. Rising imports may include machinery and productive inputs; their meaning depends on what the country is buying.
Radar's assessment: 25.7% growth in total exports and a 29% rise in maquila shipments point to stronger trade activity. Assessing domestic value added and investment opportunities requires separating registered exports, re-exports and industrial production.
Lead image: illustrative photograph, Jason Hu / Unsplash.
Sources: BCP, September 2026 Foreign Trade Report (released October 13); La Nación, October 13, 2026. Figures cover the January–September cumulative period, not September alone.