Weekly briefing - Sep 6, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
Paraguay: fuel, exports, and institutions under pressure
The week's main developments in politics, the economy, security, and infrastructure, with context and sources.
The week in Paraguay combined productive advances with pressure on institutions and services. The maquila industry and new markets for beef broadened the export outlook, while fuel, transport, and logistics exposed rising costs. At the same time, court cases, corruption allegations, and security incidents once again focused attention on the state's oversight capacity.
Politics: institutional oversight contested
Press freedom, judicial integrity, and municipal oversight concentrated the most relevant political signals. The JEM will assess whether orders to delete reports amounted to censorship; the Public Prosecutor's Office requested a trial over an alleged false notification in a promissory-notes case; and allegations against suspected Asunción inspectors still await a formal investigation.
- JEM to assess whether orders to remove reports constituted censorship in ParaguayEl Observador, ABC Color
- Public Prosecutor’s Office seeks trial for four people accused of using false notice in promissory-note case1000 Noticias, Hoy, Ultima Hora
- Complaint Calls for Investigation Into Alleged Irregular Charges at Restaurants in AsunciónABC Color
Economy: strong exports, mounting costs
The maquiladora industry surpassed US$1 billion in exports through August, with a positive balance of US$481 million, while Turkey approved eight Paraguayan slaughterhouses. By contrast, distributors are preparing fuel increases of up to G. 800, and transport reform continues without a bidding timetable and with an outdated technical fare.
- Paraguayan maquila exports surpass $1 billion, generating $481 million surplus through AugustLa Nacion, Ultima Hora
- Türkiye authorizes eight Paraguayan slaughterhouses and considers importing up to 300 tons of beefLa Nacion, Medios del Estado
- Paraguay prepares transport reform tender with Chilean support but leaves technical fare unchanged for nine monthsABC Color
Agriculture: adding value and protecting markets
The forestry sector seeks to turn plantation expansion into higher-value manufacturing and exports, with US$59.9 million sold through July. In livestock production, Paraguay raised its health alert after a case of avian influenza in Uruguay, while restrictions on Brazilian beef could increase competition in strategic markets.
- Expo Madera 2026 brings together 17 countries and drives forest industrialization in ParaguayHoy, Medios del Estado, ABC Color
- Paraguay raises health alert and steps up fight against smuggling after case in UruguayUltima Hora, El Nacional
- Suspension of Brazilian beef in the EU puts pressure on Paraguay in Chile and the United StatesUltima Hora
Infrastructure: public bottlenecks limit expansion
Paraguay's logistical dependence remains exposed: 80% to 90% of foreign trade uses the waterway, but the sector is calling for permanent dredging and better road access. In urban transport, the subsidy projected for 2027 could reach US$74 million. In Pedrozo, the removal of elevators left the accessibility of the footbridge unresolved.
Security: borders, organized crime, and controls
Authorities recorded 3,080 migration security procedures through August, while recent incidents revealed distinct challenges: a businessman wanted by Brazil fled before extradition, and the investigation into Mauricio Schuartzman's murder is connected to the network examined in Operation A Ultranza. Cross-border cooperation also made it possible to rescue a young Paraguayan woman in Brazil.
Society: urban health, university, and daily life
Residents of Asunción brought environmental complaints against two slaughterhouses in a residential area, alleging smoke, odors, and pests. At UNA, a new administration promises to confront clientelism following an investigation into alleged interference with grades. The Central Bank, meanwhile, is preparing new guarani banknotes for circulation in 2027.
- Asunción residents ask court to suspend and relocate two slaughterhousesABC Color
- Bonifacio Ríos unanimously elected dean of UNA’s Law School and vows to fight clientelismABC Color, Ultima Hora
- UNA Law School investigates alleged attempt to alter grades after chat leakABC Color
- BCP to unveil new family of guarani banknotes in October 2026, with circulation beginning in 2027Hoy, 1000 Noticias, Ultima Hora, La Nacion
Follow the links to read the full reports and distinguish confirmed decisions from allegations still under investigation.