PARAGUAY – Paraguay has set its sights on increasing beef exports to the United States, aiming to double sales and make the US market account for 12-15% of total shipments by 2025.
This target follows a record-breaking year in which beef exports to the US far exceeded expectations, according to José Carlos Martin, president of Paraguay’s National Service for Animal Quality and Health (Senacsa).
Between January and November 2023, the United States became Paraguay’s third-largest market by volume, with 25,309 metric tons of beef exported.
This placed it behind Chile and Taiwan. However, in terms of revenue, the US ranked fourth with sales reaching US$127 million, trailing Brazil.
The figures significantly outpaced the government’s initial projections, which anticipated only 10,000 tons by 2024.
Martin confirmed that exports had quadrupled the forecast by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and were 2.5 times higher than Senacsa’s expectations.
“The United States is a vast market, and given the supply we can provide, it holds great potential for continued growth,” he said.
Paraguay is the 16th largest beef producer globally and the 8th largest exporter.
Beef production plays a critical role in the country’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of many.
In 2023, Paraguay’s beef output reached 540,000 metric tons.
However, production has been affected by dry conditions attributed to La Niña, which has degraded pastures and pushed more cattle into feedlots.
In 2025, Paraguay projects beef exports to reach 450,000 metric tons, with the US and Canada identified as key growth markets due to their stringent sanitary requirements.
The country’s other primary export destinations include Taiwan, Russia, Hong Kong, Israel, and Chile.
The beef industry’s economic impact is substantial, providing employment to more than 358,000 people.
Additionally, it has spurred growth in related sectors, including the leather industry, which produces and exports tanned hides, footwear, and other leather products.
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