ASUNCION, PARAGUAY (RFD News) — U.S. imports of Paraguayan beef reached 30,000 tons from January through July, up 46% from a year earlier, according to USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Most shipments were frozen lean beef used primarily in ground beef production.
Paraguay is expected to become its third-largest beef market by volume in 2027, behind Chile and Israel. Exporters estimate 8,000 to 10,000 tons entered the United States under the existing tariff-rate quota during 2026.
Additional opportunities could come through the temporary U.S. tariff-free quota for lean beef trimmings. Paraguayan exporters estimate they could supply 5,000 to 10,000 tons, although Brazil is expected to capture most of the volume.
Paraguay’s 2027 beef exports are forecast at 460,000 tons carcass-weight equivalent as production increases and domestic consumption grows only modestly.
For U.S. buyers, Paraguay adds another source of lean processing beef as domestic cattle supplies remain tight.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Rising Paraguayan shipments add competition to the U.S. lean-beef market while helping supplement ground beef supplies. Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
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