Argentina's milling industry is evaluating importing wheat from Paraguay to compensate for the low protein quality of the record 2025/26 harvest, which reached 29.5 million tons. The director of the Paraguayan Chamber of Exporters and Traders of Cereals and Oilseeds (Capeco), Hugo Pastore, explained that Paraguayan wheat is valued as an 'improver grain' for its high protein content, capable of raising the quality of Argentine wheat.
Pastore highlighted the 'paradox of abundance': extraordinarily high productivity reduced protein content, opening space for imports. He recalled that Brazil, the main buyer of Paraguayan wheat, also classifies it as an improver. 'Argentina will likely have to pay a price equal to or better than Brazil's for it to be sold,' he stated.
In Paraguay, the wheat planting campaign is advanced, but Pastore estimates a 10% to 15% reduction in planted area compared to the previous cycle, due to low profitability. 'Production costs are high and producer prices, which rose from US$ 200 to US$ 230 per ton, still do not cover expenses,' he said. He emphasized that the priority is to supply the domestic market, but that with favorable weather yields, there may be a surplus for export.
Capeco warns that dependence on a single buyer (Brazil) is risky and that opening the Argentine market would be strategic, provided commercial conditions are competitive.