Paraguay expands beef export capacity to Chile with 12 approved plants

Paraguay has expanded its beef export capacity to Chile, with 12 meatpacking plants now authorized to ship to the Chilean market, strengthening the country’s position in one of its key destinations for animal protein.

The approval of new plants reinforces Paraguay’s commercial presence in Chile and reflects growing confidence among Chilean consumers in the quality of Paraguayan beef, according to José Carlos Martin, president of Senacsa, Paraguay’s national animal health and quality service. (lanacion.com.py)

Martin said Paraguay recently held a promotional “Paraguayan beef night” in Chile, drawing about 250 people. He described it as the country’s largest private-sector event in an international market. (lanacion.com.py)

The outreach also included meetings with Chile’s Agricultural and Livestock Service, known as SAG. Martin said Paraguay now aims to expand access for other animal proteins, noting that Chile imports a wide range of food products and already trusts Paraguayan supply. (lanacion.com.py)

Shipments from the newly approved plants will depend on buyer demand. Martin said Paraguay is already supplying nearly 20 bovine cuts to Chile, allowing exporters to make broader use of each carcass and add value to shipments. (lanacion.com.py)

The Senacsa president also pointed to growth opportunities in other meats. Pork exports are seen as more urgent, he said, while poultry exports to Taiwan have already opened. Paraguay is targeting 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes in poultry exports. (lanacion.com.py)

More market-access steps are expected in the coming months. Egypt is scheduled to audit Paraguay’s meat export system in September, while a European audit is expected in November and should last three weeks. (lanacion.com.py)

For meatpackers, exporters, shipping companies and cold-chain logistics operators, the new approvals could support higher refrigerated cargo flows between Paraguay and Chile. The development also highlights the importance of sanitary approvals, plant-level certification and market diversification for South America’s beef trade.

Chile is a strategic market for Paraguayan beef because it combines steady demand, regional proximity and high sanitary standards. With more plants approved, Paraguay beef exports to Chile may gain flexibility and scale, depending on commercial negotiations and buyer appetite.

Source: La Nación – Paraguay

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