Asunción, Agencia IP.- Exports under the maquila regime as of November have exceeded the figures recorded in 2023, reaching a total of USD 1.017 billion. According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, this surpasses the USD 1.004 billion from all of 2023 by USD 13 million.
Data from the National Council of the Export Maquila Industry (CNIME) indicates that exports under the maquila regime in November alone totaled USD 99 million, 25% more than in the same month of 2023.
Cumulative exports through November exceeded the total amount recorded last year when the regime closed with USD 1.004 billion in consumer goods. The exports for the first 11 months of 2024 amounted to USD 1.017 billion, showing a USD 13 million increase over 2023 and underscoring the dynamism of this economic incentive.
The primary sectors for exports through November were auto parts, accounting for 28% of exports; garments and textiles, representing 19%; food products, contributing 14%; and aluminum products and their manufacturers, making up 13%.
Additionally, the trade balance for maquila industries is positive, with exports exceeding imports by 94%. This highlights the significant national added value of the products manufactured under this regime.
Markets
Seventy-seven percent of exports were destined for Mercosur countries, with Brazil leading with 64% of the manufactured goods and Argentina with 11%. Other destinations included the Netherlands at 7%, the United States at 4%, Chile at 3%, and Uruguay and Bolivia at 2% each.
The CNIME data also highlights that 90% of the companies with approved maquila programs are concentrated in Alto Paraná, Central, Capital, and Amambay departments.
Increased employment generation
The Maquila Regime currently accounts for over 29,357 jobs. In October 2024 alone, 586 new jobs were created, with a total increase of 4,977 jobs over the past 12 months.
The report also emphasizes the maquila sector’s commitment to equality of opportunity, noting that women hold 44% of these jobs.