Paraguay showed positive signs of economic growth by recording a trade surplus of $13.7 million in February 2025. This result was achieved by exports exceeding imports, with the increase in exports from the maquila industry being a major contributing factor.

The maquila industry has established itself as a key driver of Paraguay's exports. In February 2025, maquila exports increased by 7.1% compared to the same period last year, totaling $173.9 million. This indicates that Paraguay's manufacturing competitiveness is strengthening.

Total exports amounted to $2.6925 billion, a 1.3% decrease compared to the same period last year, but imports also saw only a slight increase to $2.6788 billion, allowing the trade surplus to be maintained. The decrease in exports was mainly due to items such as electricity, soybeans, and soybean processed products.

Imports increased mainly in consumer goods such as electronics, machinery parts, gas oil, and automobiles. This suggests that consumer sentiment in Paraguay is recovering.

Paraguay should further strengthen its export competitiveness based on the growth of the maquila industry and maintain a stable trade surplus through diversification of export items. In addition, it is necessary to closely analyze the changes in the domestic consumption market due to increased imports and promote industrial policies that fit these changes.

Major Export and Import Items and Proportions (as of February 2025)

Major Export Items:

Soybeans (30.7%)
Beef (19.3%)
Electricity (10.8%)
Rice (4.3%)
Soybean Oil (3.8%)
Soybean Meal (3.7%)
Cables (3.1%)
Major Import Items:

Electronics (19.6%)
Machinery Parts (10%)
Gas Oil (7.1%)
Automobiles (5.1%)

Major Export Countries and Proportions:

Chile (29.4%)
Taiwan (11.3%)
United States (11.4%)
Israel (9.7%)
Brazil (6.1%)
Russia (4.9%)

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]