Market
Dried cassava products in Paraguay (including cassava flour and other dried root-based inputs) sit on top of a large domestic cassava (mandioca) farming base and an established cassava-starch industry. CAN 2022 results referenced by MAG/FAO highlight cassava as a major temporary crop and emphasize the importance of agriculture family structures in Paraguay’s farm economy. Cassava production is concentrated across multiple Eastern Region departments, and roots can flow to both fresh-consumption channels and industrial processors. CAPAMA member companies (e.g., CODIPSA and CPA) illustrate the presence of industrial off-take and value-added processing into cassava-derived products relevant to dried-cassava trade. Export execution is strongly shaped by destination-specific phytosanitary requirements managed through SENAVE and Paraguay’s VUE single-window export system.
Market RoleDomestic producer market with industrial processing; limited exporter of dried cassava derivatives
Domestic RoleStaple crop supply to households and a feedstock for domestic starch/flour processing industries
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighExport market access can be blocked if destination-country phytosanitary requirements are not met or are out of date: SENAVE notes that importing-country NPPO requirements can change without notice and should be confirmed, and export certification requests are processed through VUE with inspection before issuance.Before contracting shipment, confirm the current destination NPPO requirements using SENAVE’s export-requirements consultation tool and direct confirmation with the importing NPPO; align product form (dried/flour/pellets) and documentation, then schedule SENAVE inspection/certification through VUE.
Logistics MediumDried cassava products are freight-intensive and Paraguay’s inland/multimodal routing increases exposure to freight-rate volatility and corridor delays, which can erode margins and create delivery risk for export programs.Lock freight early, specify moisture-protective packaging and container preparation, and use conservative lead times for inland legs; consider buffer inventory near dispatch points for committed export programs.
Food Safety MediumMoisture ingress and poor dry-chain control can drive mold growth, off-odors, and contamination risks in dried cassava shipments, leading to buyer rejection or downgraded use (especially where food-grade specifications apply).Set and verify moisture/foreign-matter specifications contractually, implement pre-shipment QC (including packaging integrity checks), and use moisture barriers/desiccants where appropriate for containerized exports.
Process Continuity MediumVUE is described by CONVUE as an indispensable national export tool; interruptions can create losses and operational delays, which can cascade into missed vessel cut-offs and certification timing problems.Avoid last-minute filings; build internal timelines that allow for system downtime, and maintain active VUE user access plus backup contacts with brokers/OPIs for contingency handling.
Sustainability- Processor-led small-farmer support and rural income generation linkages in the cassava value chain (as described by cassava-starch/derivative companies operating in Paraguay).
Labor & Social- Agriculture familiar / smallholder importance is highlighted in CAN 2022 reporting referenced by FAO and aligns with cassava’s role as an emblematic crop in rural livelihoods.
Standards- ISO 22000:2018 (example: CODIPSA profile referenced by CAPAMA cites ISO 22000:2018 certification for its processes)
- KOSHER (example: CODIPSA profile referenced by CAPAMA cites KOSHER certification)
- FDA (example: CODIPSA profile referenced by CAPAMA cites FDA certification)
FAQ
Which Paraguayan departments are most associated with cassava (mandioca) production that can feed dried-cassava supply?CAN 2022-based reporting cited by Paraguay TV highlights San Pedro, Canindeyú, Caaguazú, Itapúa, Caazapá, Alto Paraná and Concepción as key cassava-producing departments, with production present nationwide at smaller scale.
What is the most important regulatory step to export dried cassava products from Paraguay?You must align with the importing country’s phytosanitary requirements and obtain the appropriate SENAVE phytosanitary certification through Paraguay’s VUE workflow, including making the shipment available for SENAVE inspection. SENAVE also cautions that importing-country requirements can change without notice, so exporters should confirm requirements with the importing country’s phytosanitary authority before shipping.
What types of dried cassava products are produced by Paraguayan processors relevant to this market?Paraguayan cassava processors linked to the CAPAMA industry ecosystem produce cassava-derived dry products such as cassava flour and cassava starch/derivatives. For example, CODIPSA markets cassava flour in 25 kg presentations and positions it for food uses and animal feed applications.