Paraguay’s Trade Balance Swings to a $746 Million Surplus
PARAGUAY · TRADE
Key Facts
—The turnaround. Paraguay posted a US$746.6 million trade surplus in the first half of 2026, against a US$373.8 million deficit in the same period a year earlier.
—Exports. First-half exports reached about US$10.16 billion, led by soybeans, soybean oil and beverages.
—June jump. June exports rose 25.1% year on year to US$1.74 billion, the clearest sign of the rebound.
—Imports. Imports of about US$9.42 billion rose 9.2%, driven by fuels, vehicles and electrical equipment.
—Why it matters. The swing hands one of South America’s smallest economies an external cushion as regional trade tightens.
Paraguay’s trade balance flipped to a surplus of about US$746.6 million in the first half of 2026, a sharp turnaround from a deficit a year earlier, driven mainly by soybeans and soybean oil. The rebound gives the landlocked economy a rare external cushion.
A deficit becomes a surplus
A year ago Paraguay ran a first-half trade deficit of about US$373.8 million. This year the same period closed with a surplus of roughly US$746.6 million.
The full swing is worth more than US$1.1 billion, an unusually large move for an economy Paraguay’s size. It reflects both stronger shipments and steadier import demand.
Soybeans do the heavy lifting
Exports of about US$10.16 billion were led by soybeans, soybean oil and beverages. Agriculture remains the backbone of Paraguay’s foreign sales.
June alone saw exports climb 25.1% from a year earlier to US$1.74 billion. That single-month surge underlines how much the harvest cycle drives the headline.
Imports rise, but more slowly
Imports totalled about US$9.42 billion, up 9.2%, led by fuels and lubricants, cars, SUVs and pickups, and electrical equipment. Rising imports usually signal firmer domestic demand.
Because exports outran imports, the gap turned positive. That balance is what converts a farm-driven boom into a headline surplus.
What to watch
A surplus built on soybeans is only as reliable as the harvest and world prices. A weak crop or softer demand would narrow it quickly.
For now the cushion helps Paraguay weather a period of tighter regional trade and volatile currencies. The second-half data will show whether the trend holds.
Background: our mercosur eu trade deal complete guide guide.
More: Paraguay news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Paraguay’s trade surplus in 2026?
Paraguay posted a trade surplus of about US$746.6 million in the first half of 2026, against a US$373.8 million deficit a year earlier.
What is driving Paraguay’s surplus?
Higher exports of soybeans, soybean oil and beverages, with June shipments up 25.1% year on year.
How large were Paraguay’s exports and imports?
First-half exports were about US$10.16 billion and imports about US$9.42 billion.
Connected Coverage
The rebound comes as the wider region navigates tighter trade, from Panama’s 5.19% growth to Peru’s copper-led investment surge.
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