Despite the reduction of monetary poverty to around 16% in 2025, the organization PRODesarrollo warns that the improvement in indicators coexists with a fragile economic base, marked by informality, low productivity, and household indebtedness.
Ministerio de Industria y Comercio
Ministerio del gobierno paraguayo encargado de la industria y el comercio.
Paraguay's maquila regime recorded exports of US$471 million in the first four months of 2026, an increase of US$83 million compared to the same period in 2025. The sector generated 1,154 new jobs and approved 24 new investment programs. Additionally, brands such as Fila, Umbro, Nike, ASICS, and Champion are already producing in the country, with emphasis on the partnership between Grupo Texcin and Grupo Dass.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Marcos Riquelme, acknowledged that the sharp fall of the dollar (about 25% in one year) is compressing margins and competitiveness of local industries, especially exporters who bill in dollars but have costs in guaranis. The US currency exchange rate opened the week at G. 6,120 in the effective exchange and G. 6,096 in the interbank market.
Paraguay's Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) has launched the fourth edition of Expo eCommerce, to be held on May 21, 2026, focusing on reducing the digital gap among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). National Director of Entrepreneurship Romina Da Re highlighted that only 15% of MSMEs have their own e-commerce platform, despite the sector representing 70% of employment and 24% of the country's commercial activity. The event, organized by the Paraguayan Chamber of Electronic Commerce with support from the Vice Ministry of MSMEs, will offer training in digital sales, payment methods, artificial intelligence, and financial inclusion.
Despite generating 70% of employment and moving US$ 2 billion per year, only 15% of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Paraguay have their own e-commerce channel. The national director of Entrepreneurship of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Romina Da Re, highlighted the opportunity for digitalization during the launch of the IV Expo eCommerce 2026, which takes place on May 21.
The country sees macroeconomic deterioration, with a structural deficit above 2% of GDP and exhaustion of growth engines: labor force and hydroelectric power. Experts point to the need for deep reforms and credible commitments.
The Paraguayan Senate approved a bill modifying the commuter train law, allowing execution via a direct agreement with the United Arab Emirates and excluding the application of concession, PPP, and public procurement laws. The text now goes to the Chamber of Deputies amid opposition criticism over transparency and costs.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) launched the 4th Expo eCommerce 2026, focused on reducing the digital gap for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which account for 70% of employment in the country. Only 15% of them have their own e-commerce platform, while 80% of Paraguayans shop online.