AGP Executive Report

Beef Exports: Paraguay’s grass-fed ribeye and sirloin, entered by Minerva Foods, each won gold at the World Steak Challenge in Amsterdam, among 470 samples from 30 countries. Market Access: Five audits by Chile, Taiwan, the EU, Egypt and Peru will assess Paraguayan livestock facilities and sanitary controls, with results shaping export approvals. Flood Disruption: Rising Paraná River waters have affected about 2,000 people in Ayolas and forced evacuations in Alto Paraná and Ñeembucú, putting pressure on local communities and relief logistics. Tourism Services: FITPAR 2026 in Asunción drew more than 600 brands, with organisers expecting over 10,000 visitors. Growth and Infrastructure: The World Bank raised Paraguay’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the region’s highest, while early works for Asunción’s commuter rail are planned for the first half of 2027. Agricultural Trade: Paraguay completed its first watermelon export to Uruguay, opening a new route for local producers.

Flood Disruption: Paraná River flooding has displaced families in Alto Paraná and Ñeembucú, with about 2,000 people affected in Ayolas, straining local communities and emergency logistics. Meat Exports: Paraguay faces five international livestock audits through December, as Chile, Taiwan, the EU, Egypt and Peru review plants and sanitary controls that underpin export access. Tourism: FITPAR is underway in Asunción, where organisers expect more than 10,000 visitors and 600-plus participating brands. Growth and Infrastructure: The World Bank raised Paraguay’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the region’s highest; Asunción’s commuter rail project is slated for early works in the first half of 2027. Agriculture: Paraguay has completed its first watermelon export to Uruguay, opening a new cross-border market. Major Events: The 2026 World Rally Championship in Paraguay generated more than US$209 million in economic impact.

Flood Disruption: Paraná River flooding has affected about 2,000 people in Ayolas and forced roughly 1,500 families from their homes in Alto Paraná and Ñeembucú, adding pressure on local businesses and transport. Meat Exports: Five audits by Chile, Taiwan, the EU, Egypt and Peru are scheduled from October to December, with results shaping access for Paraguayan meat producers. Economic Outlook: The World Bank raised Paraguay’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the highest in the region. Infrastructure: Early works on Asunción’s commuter rail project are expected in the first half of 2027. Agricultural Trade: Paraguay has completed its first watermelon export to Uruguay, opening a new route for local growers.

Meat Exports: Paraguay faces five international livestock audits from October to December, with inspectors reviewing meat plants, animal-health controls and export approvals — checks that could shape access to key markets. Regenerative Agriculture: Soil-carbon company Boomitra pledged to expand regenerative farming to 20 million acres by 2030; it works with farmers in Paraguay and 10 other countries. Growth and Infrastructure: The World Bank raised Paraguay’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the region’s highest. Early works on Asunción’s commuter rail are planned for the first half of 2027. Agricultural Trade: Paraguay completed its first watermelon export to Uruguay, opening a new outlet for local growers. Business Impact: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated more than US$209 million in economic impact, highlighting the event’s contribution to tourism and local commerce.

Meat Exports: Paraguay faces five international livestock audits from October to December, with inspectors reviewing plants, animal health controls and export approvals for markets including the EU, Taiwan and Chile. Tourism: FITPAR opens in Asunción this week, with organisers expecting more than 10,000 visitors and over 600 brands represented. Transport: Early works for Asunción’s commuter rail are planned for the first half of 2027. Growth: The World Bank raised Paraguay’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the highest in the region. Agribusiness: Paraguay completed its first watermelon export to Uruguay, adding a new product to its regional trade. Events: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated more than US$209 million in economic impact.

Transport Investment: Preliminary work on Paraguay’s US$450 million Asunción–Luque commuter rail is expected to start in the first half of 2027, with the government targeting operations by 2030. Economic Outlook: The World Bank raised its 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the region’s highest, citing strong agriculture and hydropower alongside stable macroeconomic conditions. Trade and Diplomacy: China sanctioned Paraguay’s communications minister over ties with Taiwan; the measures include travel restrictions and limits on business dealings, adding a potential complication for cross-border commerce. Agribusiness: A U.S. tariff-free beef import program that includes Paraguayan suppliers has drawn far less volume than planned, with little relief for U.S. consumers and continued pressure on producers. Events and Tourism: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated more than US$209 million in economic impact, underscoring the event’s value to local businesses.

Growth Outlook: The World Bank raised Paraguay’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the region’s highest, citing strong agricultural exports, hydropower generation and domestic demand. Digital Investment: After China sanctioned Paraguay’s technology minister over Taiwan ties, the government reaffirmed plans to speed up cooperation with Taiwan, including the Yguazú Digital AI center; the measures target officials, not the wider economy. Transport Infrastructure: Preparatory work on the Asunción–Luque commuter rail is set for the first half of 2027. The estimated US$450 million project aims to cut travel times by up to 40%, with the first line targeted to open by 2030. Trade and Tourism: Paraguay completed its first watermelon export to Uruguay, while the 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated more than US$209 million in economic impact.

Growth Outlook: The World Bank raised Paraguay’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the region’s highest, citing strong agriculture, hydropower, domestic demand and investment-grade status. Transport Infrastructure: Early works on the US$450 million Asunción–Luque commuter rail are set for the first half of 2027, with the 18-kilometre line targeted to open by the 2030 World Cup. Agriculture and Trade: Paraguay completed its first watermelon export to Uruguay, opening a new market for local producers. Digital Investment: Despite Chinese sanctions on its technology minister over ties with Taiwan, Paraguay says it will press ahead with Taiwanese-backed projects, including an AI centre. Flood Disruption: Rising Paraná River waters forced more than 100 families from low-lying areas, as emergency teams responded in Alto Paraná and Misiones. Major Events: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated more than US$209 million in economic impact, highlighting the event’s value to local businesses.

Growth Outlook: The World Bank raised Paraguay’s 2026 growth forecast to 4.7%, the region’s highest, citing strong domestic demand, agricultural exports and hydropower. Transport Investment: Early works on the Asunción–Luque commuter rail are slated for the first half of 2027. The US$450 million project aims to launch an 18-kilometre line by 2030. Digital Industry: Paraguay says China’s sanctions on its communications minister will not slow cooperation with Taiwan, including plans for an AI centre and digital infrastructure projects. Agricultural Exports: Paraguay shipped its first 21-tonne watermelon consignment to Uruguay, opening a new market for growers after meeting phytosanitary requirements. Event Economy: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated more than US$209 million in economic impact, highlighting the event’s reach beyond motorsport.

Agricultural Exports: Paraguay shipped its first 21-tonne watermelon consignment to Uruguay, opening a new market for growers in San Pedro after the fruit passed phytosanitary checks. Technology Investment: Communications Minister Gustavo Villate said China’s sanctions against him were linked to Taiwan-backed projects, including a planned data centre and the Yguazú Digital AI hub; he also said Foxconn had been invited to establish operations in Paraguay. Rally Economy: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated an estimated US$209.9 million in economic activity, up 57.5% from 2025, with gains across hospitality, fuel, pharmacies and food businesses. Digital Infrastructure: HIVE plans to expand its hydro-powered data centre campus in Paraguay to 400 megawatts, a major prospective demand driver for the country’s electricity and construction sectors.

Agriculture: Paraguay has completed its first official watermelon export to Uruguay, shipping 21 tonnes from San Pedro after meeting phytosanitary standards and opening a new market for local growers. Energy and Investment: HIVE plans a 400-megawatt, hydro-powered campus in Paraguay, while JPMorgan’s Southern Cone chief highlighted energy, forestry and infrastructure as opportunities for private capital. Transport and Logistics: Itaipu-funded delivery of a Cessna SkyCourier gives Paraguay’s Air Force new capacity for medical evacuations, cargo and disaster relief, including service to remote communities. Tourism and Services: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated an estimated US$209.9 million in economic impact, with spending gains across food, fuel, hotels and retail. Construction and Housing: Home-loan lending has more than doubled since 2022, but a study found that only 9,599 of 273,316 potential first-time buyers aged 25–40 in Greater Asunción could afford a median two-bedroom apartment.

Diplomatic Risk: China sanctioned Paraguay’s ICT minister Gustavo Villate over Taiwan ties, barring him from China and prohibiting dealings with him by Chinese organizations and individuals. Aviation: The Air Force received a Cessna SkyCourier for medical and relief missions, with Itaipu funding the purchase. Housing: Home loans have more than doubled since 2022 to ₲10.87 trillion, but deposits remain a barrier for most first-time buyers in Greater Asunción. Regional Business: The 2026 WRC Rally generated an estimated US$209.9 million in economic impact, lifting spending on food, fuel, hotels and other services in Itapúa. Energy & Investment: HIVE plans a 400-megawatt hydro-powered data-centre campus in Paraguay; JPMorgan has also identified energy, forestry and infrastructure as promising areas for investment. Fitch maintained Paraguay’s BB+ rating with a positive outlook.

Housing and Construction: Paraguay’s home-loan portfolio doubled in four years to ₲10.87 trillion, but a large deposit still puts first homes out of reach for most young buyers in Greater Asunción. China Ties: Beijing imposed sanctions on Paraguay’s ICT minister over Taiwan relations, adding pressure to a diplomatic relationship with potential trade implications. Events and Regional Business: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated an estimated US$209.9 million in economic impact; spending rose across hospitality, fuel, pharmacies and supermarkets. Investment and Energy: JPMorgan highlighted energy, forestry and infrastructure as opportunities for private capital in Paraguay, while HIVE plans a 400 MW hydro-powered data campus in the country.

Rally’s Economic Impact: Paraguay’s 2026 WRC round generated an estimated US$209.9 million, up 57.5% from 2025. It boosted spending across Itapúa, especially in gastronomy, fuel, pharmacies and hotels. Investment Outlook: JPMorgan’s Southern Cone chief highlighted Paraguay’s stability and named energy, forestry and infrastructure as key opportunities for private capital. Energy and Technology: HIVE plans a 400 MW hydro-powered campus in Paraguay, with a further expansion planned. Growth: The World Bank says Paraguay is outperforming Latin America’s 2.2% average growth outlook, citing fiscal consolidation and private investment. Investment Risks: ATOME warned it may seek high-nine-figure damages over its Villeta dispute unless the parties reach an agreement.

Rally Drives Regional Spending: The 2026 WRC Rally of Paraguay generated an estimated US$209.9 million in economic activity, up 57.5% year on year. Itapúa businesses benefited from 884,000 cumulative attendances, with spending rising across restaurants, fuel, pharmacies, supermarkets and hotels. Investment Prospects: JPMorgan’s Southern Cone chief pointed to energy, forestry and infrastructure as promising areas for private investment, highlighting hydropower’s appeal to energy-intensive industries. Digital Infrastructure: HIVE plans to expand its hydro-powered Paraguay data-centre campus to 400 MW, building on its GPU computing link with Columbia University. Growth and Connectivity: The World Bank says Paraguay continues to outperform Latin America’s 2.2% growth forecast, backed by fiscal consolidation and private investment. Infrastructure remains a challenge: the national road network exceeds 78,000 kilometres, with 84% unpaved.

Investment Outlook: JPMorgan’s Southern Cone chief highlighted Paraguay’s stability and small state as draws for investors, pointing to opportunities in energy, forestry and infrastructure. Growth: The World Bank expects Paraguay to outperform Latin America’s 2.2% growth forecast, citing fiscal consolidation and private investment. Digital Infrastructure: HIVE plans a 400 MW hydro-powered data campus in Paraguay, positioning the country’s renewable electricity to support growing demand for computing capacity. Transport Links: Paraguay’s road network exceeds 78,000 km, but 84% remains unpaved; the Paraguay-Brazil Bioceanic Bridge is also set to gain a climate-monitoring system.