Paraguay Trade Balance Turns Negative in May

Paraguay's trade deficit widened to USD 538.4 million in May 2025, reversing a surplus of USD 420.9 million in the same period last year.

Registered exports fell 8.4% year-over-year to USD 4.53 billion, driven by a 21% drop in primary products, especially soybeans (-26.8%), partly offset by gains in wheat and corn.

Agro-industrial goods rose 3.3% on strong beef exports, and industrial manufactures increased 2.7%, led by aluminum and electrical cables.

Energy exports dropped 11.9%.

Meanwhile, registered imports grew 5.4% to USD 6.85 billion, fueled by increased purchases of industrial goods (+9%), agro-industrial goods (+11.9%), and primary products (+14.9%).

Fuel and lubricant imports declined 19.1% due to lower diesel and gasoline demand.

The shift reflects both falling external sales and stronger domestic demand.