Paraguay may ship beef to U.S. in 2022 after FSIS audit

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Paraguay’s Animal Health and Quality Service (SENACSA) president José Martin described the audit made to the sector by the U.S. delegation as “very positive.”

The audit aimed to determine Paraguay’s meat processing plants’ export capacity, private and SENACSA laboratories, the thorough review of the training provided by the national Service, as well as the policies and regulations established over the past few years.

José Martin said that the U.S. technicians found 4 points to be improved in order for Paraguay to export meat to the U.S. market, but said that 3 of these requirements have already been met during the on-site visit.

2021 RECORD

Paraguay is poised to close a year with record trade figures for the beef sector. It exported over 283,214 tons of beef between January and October 2021, setting an all-time record for the country. Beef export revenues during the first 10 months of 2021 amounted to over US$1.3 billion, SENACSA reported.

Chile was the main market for Paraguayan beef, with 116,887 tons, followed by Russia (68,996 tons), Brazil (25,814 tons), Taiwan (25,429 tons) and Israel (15,339 tons).

In expectation of the U.S. market, in 2022 Paraguay aims to exceed the 2021 figures.