# Paraguayan trade and agricultural expansion efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paraguayan-trade-and-agricultural-expansion-efforts
> Updated: 2026-09-09T02:06:27.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 4.

Paraguay continues to pursue strategies to expand its international trade and agricultural sectors, specifically advocating for an equal 25% share of export quotas for each of the four Mercosur member states under the Mercosur-European Union Association Agreement. Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano has conducted diplomatic missions in Brussels and Paris to negotiate these quotas and advance Paraguay’s pursuit of full OECD membership, a stance that contrasts with the positions of Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.

In a recent development regarding the Mercosur–European Union agreement, a new proposal has resurfaced to address the distribution of the 99,000-ton beef quota. Jorge Andrés Rodríguez, president of the Federation of Rural Associations of Mercosur (FARM), introduced a “three thirds” formula intended to provide predictability and help the bloc reach a unified position. This model suggests dividing the quota into three equal parts: 33% distributed equally among eligible exporting countries, 33% based on historical utilization and compliance records, and 33% managed via a “first-come, first-served” mechanism.

While a similar technical framework was previously presented to Mercosur governments by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), it failed to reach a consensus. Political differences remain the primary obstacle to implementation.

Parallel to these negotiations, Paraguay is focusing on regional integration and specialized agricultural growth. Minister of Industry and Commerce Marco Riquelme is engaging with Uruguayan port authorities to strengthen ties in sectors such as food, textiles, and metalworking. Additionally, President Santiago Peña remains focused on scaling the organic agriculture industry, which currently involves 7,500 certified producers.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Mercosur beef quota distribution proposal sparks new debate

A new “three thirds” proposal to distribute the 99,000-ton beef quota in the Mercosur–EU agreement has emerged, aiming to balance equal distribution, historical usage, and first-come, first-served access.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mercosur-beef-quota-distribution-proposal-sparks-new-debate

### 2026-09-06: Paraguay seeks equal Mercosur export quotas in EU negotiations

Paraguay is seeking an equal 25% share of Mercosur export quotas to the EU, clashing with partners Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay over distribution methods during diplomatic talks in Europe.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraguay-seeks-equal-mercosur-export-quotas-in-eu-negotiations

### 2026-09-03: Paraguay seeks trade growth with Uruguay and organic agriculture expansion

Paraguay is working to expand its economy by strengthening trade ties with Uruguay and scaling its organic agriculture sector, which recently reached $40 million in annual exports.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraguay-seeks-trade-growth-with-uruguay-and-organic-agriculture-expansion

### 2026-08-22: Paraguay seeks equal 25% share of Mercosur-EU export quotas

Paraguay is demanding an equal 25% share of export quotas under the Mercosur-EU agreement, seeking to prevent economic asymmetries within the trade bloc.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paraguay-seeks-equitable-mercosur-eu-trade-quota-distribution

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Cite as: Paraguayan trade and agricultural expansion efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paraguayan-trade-and-agricultural-expansion-efforts