According to a report by Paraguay's National Newspaper on December 1, Daniel Burt, General Manager of the Paraguayan Meat Merchants Association (CPC), pointed out that Paraguay's ranking in the "Top Ten Beef Exporting Countries" by the United States Department of Agriculture has fluctuated but remains stable, mainly influenced by the size of the cattle herd.
Burt added that in recent years, Paraguayan beef has opened up markets in the United States, Canada, Singapore, the Philippines, and improved export conditions to Taiwan, driving the growth of beef exports and gaining broader recognition for Paraguayan products. Paraguayan beef has not only successfully entered markets with high demand but also met the extremely strict quality standards of these markets, with its products fully meeting the requirements and attracting attention from other markets.
In the first ten months of this year, the United States has become Paraguay's third-largest buyer of beef, with imports reaching 34,192 tons and an import value of $196 million. Meanwhile, Chile remains the top buyer, with imports totaling 91,833 tons and an import value of $556 million.
Burt stated that due to a tariff dispute, Paraguay has an advantage over its main competitor, Brazil, and beef exports to Chile will increase.
Burt announced that in the coming months, efforts will be made to develop the Mexican market, adding it to the list of Paraguayan beef export destinations, thereby successfully entering the three major North American markets.
Additionally, it was reported that Carlos Giménez, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Paraguay, recently held a bilateral meeting with Ibrahim Yumakli, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Turkey, where they formulated a roadmap to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The most significant outcome of the meeting was the decision to restart the technical approval process for Paraguayan beef to enter the Turkish market. This is of strategic importance for Paraguay's livestock industry, aiming to expand export destinations and consolidate its position in high-consumption markets.
Turkey has committed to sending a technical team to Paraguay for a sanitary audit in the near future, which is a critical step in evaluating Paraguay's food safety standards, traceability, and hygiene control levels. This audit will determine whether Paraguayan products can officially enter the Turkish market. This market is highly attractive due to its large scale, strong demand for meat, and strategic location connecting Asia and the Middle East.