Asunción, Agencia IP.- In January 2024, maquila industries exported their products abroad for a value of USD 74 million, 2 percent higher than the same period last year. Likewise, more than 25,000 jobs linked to the regime were recorded, according to data from the National Council of Export Maquila Industries (Cnime).
The report reveals that 92% of maquila industries are concentrated in four points within Paraguayan territory. The first corresponds to the Alto Paraná department, with 48%, followed by Central and Capital, with 37% each, while the remaining 7% is in Amambay.
Job creation
The maquila sector has generated thousands of jobs in recent years. According to the latest report, this economic segment directly employs 25,183 workers at the end of January, representing a 3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Additionally, 44 percent of the employed individuals are women, while 56 percent are men.
The main sectors where jobs linked to maquila industries are recorded include auto parts, accounting for 26 percent; garments, at 25 percent; intangible services, at 9 percent; plastics and their manufacturers, at 8 percent; and various manufacturers, at 5 percent.
Together, these sectors are responsible for over 74% of job creation in the maquila industry.
Positive balance
On the other hand, the document details that the trade balance closed the first month of the year with a positive balance, as exports exceeded imports by 39 percent, totaling USD 54 million, reported the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC).