PARAGUAY · CURRENCY, FARM EXPORTS
Key Facts
- The country Paraguay, a landlocked South American farm and energy exporter between Brazil and Argentina.
- What happened The Paraguay guaraní keeps gaining on the US dollar, and grain exporters say farmers bear the cost.
- The currency A US dollar buys about 5,811 guaraníes (US$1), against about 6,750 guaraníes (US$1) at the end of 2025.
- The US angle Paraguay costs US visitors more, and farm exporters get fewer guaraníes for each dollar sold.
- Power Index Paraguay ranks 10th of 14 in The Rio Times Latin America Power Index, with 36.0 points (October 2026 edition).
The Paraguay guaraní has become one of South America’s strongest currencies this year, and the country’s farm exporters say it hurts. The grain exporters’ chamber Capeco, which speaks for Paraguay’s grain and oilseed traders, voiced that complaint again this weekend.
For US readers, a US dollar now buys about 14% fewer guaraníes than at the end of 2025, so Paraguay costs visitors more. The same move squeezes the farmers behind its soy and beef.
How Far the Paraguay Guaraní Has Climbed
A US dollar bought about 6,750 guaraníes (US$1) at the end of 2025 and about 5,750 guaraníes (US$1) on 12 October 2026. On 31 October it bought about 5,811 guaraníes (US$1), roughly 14% fewer than at the turn of the year.
A stronger guaraní means imports and travel cost less for Paraguayans and more for foreigners paying in dollars. Exporters, who are paid in dollars, get fewer guaraníes for each dollar they sell.
What Farmers and Exporters Say
Hugo Pastore of Capeco said farmers sell their crops in dollars but pay for fuel, wages and many other costs in guaraníes. He estimated the exchange-rate loss at about US$2 billion across soy, corn and other grain sales last season.
Pastore added that small producers are the most exposed, because only large companies can protect themselves against currency swings. Capeco has asked the government’s economic team for a working group to discuss the options, he said.
What the Government Is Doing
Paraguay’s central bank, the Banco Central del Paraguay (BCP), sets interest rates and lets the guaraní float against the dollar. Its latest rate decision is covered in our report linked below.
The finance ministry, known as the MEF, leads the government’s economic team that Capeco wants to meet. No meeting date has been announced.
What It Means for You
With the Paraguay guaraní stronger, a trip costs US travelers more than a year ago, as our travel advice for US visitors explains. US buyers of Paraguayan beef and soy deal with producers on thinner margins, which can slow growth of the herd and the crop.
For background, read how Paraguay works, its economy and key players and the central bank’s latest rate decision. Our profile of President Santiago Peña covers the leader who must settle the debate.
What Is Not Known
The US$2 billion figure is Capeco’s own estimate, and no official calculation has been published. It is also not known whether the central bank will act, or when the working group will meet.
Exchange rates differ by a few percent between data providers and between days. The figures here are rounded and show the direction, not a daily quote.
More: Paraguay news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has the Paraguay guaraní gained?
A US dollar buys about 14% fewer guaraníes than at the end of 2025, about 5,811 guaraníes (US$1) on 31 October 2026. Exact quotes vary by provider and by day.
What does Capeco say the strong guaraní cost farmers?
Capeco’s Hugo Pastore estimated about US$2 billion in lost income across grain sales last season. That is the chamber’s own estimate, not an official figure.
Does it affect US travelers?
Yes, a US dollar buys fewer guaraníes than a year ago, so prices in Paraguay are higher in dollar terms. Check the day’s rate before you pay.
Planning a trip? Our Ciudad del Este day trip guide for Americans shows what a strong guaraní means for shoppers. It covers border crossing, prices and what to check before you go.
Sources: Capeco (Paraguayan grain and oilseed exporters chamber), statements of the weekend of 31 October 2026, 1 November 2026; Banco Central del Paraguay (BCP), exchange-rate and policy information, October 2026.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief