Paraguay agricultural export expansion to Turkey

Paraguay is actively expanding its agricultural export footprint into Turkish and Azerbaijani markets.

In September, Paraguay secured market access for eight beef processing plants following a seven-year negotiation process and sanitary audits by Turkish authorities. The Turkish state-owned Et ve Süt Kurumu (ESK) has requested to begin commercial contact, with initial interest in a trial purchase of up to 300 tons of boneless beef. Success for these exports remains dependent on negotiating preferential tariff conditions to overcome high existing Turkish import rates.

By October, efforts expanded to the yerba mate sector. Driven by a domestic production surplus of 45 to 50 million kilograms annually, Paraguay is targeting Turkey and Azerbaijan to alleviate local market pressure. Producers are viewing Turkey as a potential gateway to Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Caucasian markets, with plans to adapt products to local consumption habits, such as hot or cold infusions.

Following a commercial mission supported by the Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives are working to establish trade channels in regions with strong infusion consumption traditions. Paraguayan officials are leveraging tax advantages for yerba mate entering the Turkish market to position the product as a viable alternative to traditional black tea.