Paraguay’s pork industry drives exports, investment growth

Paraguay’s pork industry enters 2026 with a favorable outlook, buoyed by export momentum, more than USD 100 million in new investments and a strategy to expand domestic consumption. The sector’s prospects are being supported by sanitary certifications that are opening up international markets and by a stronger presence of pork products at home, Marta Mareco, president of industry association Capainpod, told La Nación.

Mareco highlighted the recent sanitary compartmentalization certification as a key milestone, achieved after five years of joint work between the private sector and the national animal health agency Senacsa, with international support. The certification ensures that specific production units are free of diseases such as classical and African swine fever, paving the way for exports to demanding markets such as Chile and potentially opening future opportunities in Japan.

The sector is also advancing trade negotiations with Peru and Argentina, where sanitary approval processes are at an advanced stage. Paraguay’s pork industry aims to consolidate its position as a reliable supplier of animal protein in the region and gradually expand into higher value-added markets.

At the same time, the industry is moving ahead with significant investments, particularly in piglet production units and industrial expansions, totaling more than USD 100 million. These projects are focused on increasing the number of breeding sows, which will boost export capacity and strengthen competitiveness by 2027. According to Mareco, the industry closed 2025 on a positive note, with January maintaining that strong export pace.

Datamar data indicates that Paraguay’s seaborne pork exports surged 80.8% compared to 2024. The leading destinations for these shipments were Taiwan (79%) and Georgia (85%).

The following chart provides a monthly comparison of Paraguayan pork exports, compiled using data from the DataLiner platform.

Pork | Paraguay | Jan 2022 – Dec 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Domestically, the sector also sees room for growth. Around 85% of pork production remains in Paraguay, with only 15% exported. Per capita consumption has risen from just 3 to 4 kilograms 16 years ago to roughly 12 kilograms today, though further demand expansion is still possible. To that end, the industry plans to intensify promotional campaigns in the Central department and other regions across the country.

Mareco stressed that the strategic goal is to ensure pork sold domestically meets the same quality standards as export products, promoting it as an affordable and healthy everyday protein. Paraguay’s pork production, she noted, is characterized by high nutritional standards, traceability and increasing technological sophistication, factors that enhance the sector’s competitiveness both at home and abroad.

Source: La Nación

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