Asunción, Agencia IP.- By the end of July, exports reached USD 618 million, a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when they reached USD 581 million, according to the latest report from the National Council of Maquila Export Industries (CNIME).
Regarding monthly values, this incentive also showed a considerable increase in the seventh month of the year, with export values reaching USD 105 million, an 18% increase compared to July of the previous year.
The report indicates that by the end of July, 81% of the sectors under this regime were concentrated in the following sectors: auto parts, with a 28% share; apparel, with 19%; food products, with 14%; and aluminum and plastics, with 13%.
Furthermore, by the end of 2023, exports from maquila industries accounted for 68% of Paraguay’s industrial-origin manufacturing exports.
Maquila markets
Regarding the destinations for maquila industry manufacturers, the document states that in the first seven months of 2024, 77% of exports were sent to Mercosur countries.
Brazil is the top destination within this bloc with a 63% share; Argentina has 10% of purchases. The Netherlands and the United States also appear as destinations, each with 5%, followed by Chile with 3%, and Uruguay and Bolivia with 2%.
In the last 12 months, the Maquila regime has successfully opened 14 new markets worldwide by exporting its manufactures.
Products contributing to this market expansion include ethanol, biodiesel, tripe, synthetic concrete reinforcement fiber, grated coconut, gelatin, paddle blades, polyethylene (HDPE), and animal feed.
These new market entries align with the Paraguayan Government’s vision of conquering more destinations and diversifying the range of exported products.
Job sources
The latest report reveals that jobs linked to the Maquila regime reached 26,909 by July 2024, representing a 4% increase over the past 12 months. This regime created 369 new jobs in July alone compared to the end of June 2024.
The sectors of apparel and textiles, auto parts, plastics and their manufacturers, intangible services, and various manufacturers employ 71% of the workforce.
Additionally, sectors such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals, wood, food products, agrochemicals, and others account for a significant portion of Paraguayan labor.
Regarding the location of these industries, 90% of the companies with an approved maquila program are situated in the following departments: Alto Paraná with 47%; Central with 28%; Capital and Amambay with 8% and 7%, respectively, according to the report.
Positive balance
Regarding imports by maquila industries, purchases amounted to USD 332 million in the first seven months of the year, a 14% increase compared to the previous period.
Considering that exports exceeded purchases by 86%, the trade balance of the maquila industries is positive for the country.