Paraguayan rice exports surpass US$440 million in 2024

Rice production in Paraguay continues to grow, consolidating the country’s position as a key player in the Southern Cone. According to the recent report “Global and Regional Rice Outlook 2025” published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), cultivation has expanded 75% over the past decade, reaching 210,000 hectares in the 2024/25 harvest, with average productivity ranging from 5,500 to 6,500 kilograms per hectare.

Initially destined mainly for domestic consumption, rice has become a strategic export. In 2024, Paraguay is expected to export 56% of its total production, generating US$440.8 million — equivalent to approximately 4% of the country’s total exports. Between January and May 2025, exports reached 520,000 tonnes, worth US$200.8 million, confirming the sector’s dynamism.

The report details that, in 2024, Paraguay exported rice to 33 countries, with most of the volume going to Brazil, which absorbed 78% of the market (601,579 tonnes), followed by Chile, at 12.5%. Smaller volumes were also shipped to Costa Rica, Peru, Israel, Argentina, and several African markets.

The average FOB price stood at US$573 per tonne, with significant variation depending on the destination: Peru paid up to US$750 per tonne, while in markets like Senegal, prices barely surpassed US$330. This price diversity reflects Paraguay’s capacity to supply both premium markets and cost-sensitive buyers.

At the regional level, Mercosur produced 10.7 million tonnes in the 2023/24 harvest — equivalent to 2% of global production. Brazil leads with 67% of the total, followed by Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, each accounting for around 10%.

Of the bloc’s total output, 25% was destined for international trade, representing 5% of global rice exports. While that figure may seem modest compared with giants such as India or Vietnam, the Southern Cone has consolidated its reputation as a reliable and competitive supplier, particularly for markets in the Americas.

The MAG study warns that the international rice market remains relatively small, with less than 12% of global production being sold outside of producing countries. India dominates exports, accounting for 41%, followed by Vietnam (13%) and Thailand (11%). Meanwhile, the Philippines ranks as the world’s largest importer, accounting for 10% of total global purchases.

In terms of prices, 2024 marked a decade high, with Thai rice reaching US$588 per tonne. However, the trend reversed in 2025: in May, rice prices fell to US$282 per tonne on the Chicago Board of Trade — a 28% drop compared with the previous year. This volatility is forcing exporting countries, including Paraguay, to diversify their markets and strengthen trade agreements.

The report also highlights technological advances in Asia that could reshape global production. India, for example, has launched genome-edited rice varieties that are expected to boost yields by 19% and reduce emissions by 20%. Meanwhile, Thailand is promoting sustainable rice programs that significantly reduce costs and improve environmental performance.

Although these innovations have not yet reached the Southern Cone, the trend suggests that future competitiveness will depend not only on volume and price, but also on the ability to produce sustainably.

Paraguayan rice has evolved from a secondary crop into a key agribusiness product. With expanding cultivated area, stable productivity, and rising exports, the country is consolidating its role as a strategic supplier in the region.

The challenge ahead lies in maintaining competitiveness amid international volatility while adopting sustainable practices that distinguish Paraguayan production in an increasingly demanding global market.

Source: Planeta Arroz

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