2020 was Paraguay’s record meat export year, and current market conditions continue to strengthen it.

Paraguay breaks record in 2020

2020 was a historic year for Paraguay’s meat exports, as reported by José Carlos Martín, president of the National Service for Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa).

Paraguay in 2020 exports 271,000 tons of meat. This achievement translated into profits of US$ 1,115 million for the Latin American country. In addition, Paraguay’s meat exports also managed to send 50,800 tons of offal. The exports of this type of meat generated profits of 82.7 million dollars.

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Paraguay’s previous meat export record was in 2014 when it exported 268,0000 tons of meat. At that time, market conditions were different, so they generated profits of US$1.244 billion.

With the successful outlook of 2020 for Paraguay’s meat sector, the country has clear objectives for 2021. It is expected to export more meat from Paraguay to Chile, Taiwan, and Israel. In addition, Senacsa aims to export meat to Europe during 2021 and to the United States in 2022.

Argentina’s announcement, an opportunity for Paraguay

Recently the president of Argentina, Alberto Fernandez, announced that Argentina will not export meat for 30 days. This news was criticized by Argentina’s meat producers’ unions. On the other hand, the announcement was welcomed by Paraguay’s meat export sector.

In 2021 between January and April, Paraguay’s meat exports continued to set records month after month, according to the National Service of Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa). Paraguay has shipped 111,000 tons of meat abroad, reporting values of US$495 million.

Argentina is a major meat exporter in Latin America. Due to the closures announced by the Argentinean government, Paraguay expects to meet international meat demand with its exports. This opportunity has been viewed favorably by the entire Paraguayan meat trade. Although Argentina’s export closure is set for 30 days, it is uncertain whether it can be extended. For this reason, Paraguay is redoubling its efforts to meet international demand.

Currently, Paraguay’s meat exports are mainly destined to Chile. During these 4 months of 2021, Paraguay sent 44 thousand tons of meat to Chile. In the second place, Paraguay’s meat export is sent to Russia, with 28 thousand tons. Also, Paraguay’s meat exports are destined for Taiwan and Brazil with 9 thousand tons each. Finally, Paraguay exports 2 thousand tons of meat to Kuwait and Uruguay each.