Molasses market in Paraguay

Earlier Report Observations

The Paraguayan molasses market volume grew from 42 570 t in 2018 to 49 271 t in 2022, while domestic production increased from 50 000 t to 60 022 t over the same period. This expansion occurred within a stable sugar cane sector supported by the long-established state-owned company AZPA, which has produced molasses for over a century, and by the industry's broader role in generating rural employment and supporting family farmers.

Market volume contracted to 41 391 t in 2023 as production fell to 49 929 t. Industry sources reported continued stable national sugar cane production in 2023 and 2024, indicating the decline in molasses output likely stemmed from changes in processing or demand. By 2025, trade data showed no molasses exports and only minimal imports, signaling a shift in the product's trade balance.

In value terms, the market decreased from $11.0 million in 2018 to $7.8 million in 2023, reflecting lower prices or a change in product mix alongside the volume fluctuations.

Production molasses in Paraguay

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of molasses, 2018-2021

World map of production of molasses, 2018-2021

Paraguay's molasses production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 55 858 tonnes of molasses, marking a modest year-on-year rise of 7.4%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 11.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.8%. The smallest change occurred in 2019, when production remained essentially stable.

Annual dynamics of production in Paraguay in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Paraguay's molasses production value rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at 11 654 thousand US dollars, representing a 10.8% increase compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production value decreased by 10.2%, averaging an annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 10 521 thousand US dollars, which also saw the sharpest drop of 17.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Paraguay in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports molasses from Paraguay

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Paraguay's molasses exports amounted to 7 800 tonnes, a decrease of 10.5% from 2020. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, exports declined by 5.3%, with an average annual reduction of 1.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 5 708 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 30.7%. In contrast, 2020 saw the highest volume at 8 713 tonnes, with the most significant increase of 52.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Paraguay in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States were the top destinations for Paraguay's molasses exports in volume terms. Germany accounted for 46.7% of exports, the Netherlands for 24.7%, and the United States for 22.7%. Together, these three countries represented 94.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Paraguay in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Paraguay's molasses exports in value terms reached 1 627 thousand US dollars in 2021, reflecting a moderate decline of 7.7% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value fell by 23.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 459 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decrease of 31.8%. The most notable increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 20.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Paraguay in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States continued to be the primary buyers of Paraguayan molasses in value terms. Germany held a 41.5% share of exports, the Netherlands 24.4%, and the United States 22.7%. Collectively, these three markets made up 88.6% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Paraguay in value, 2018-2021

Imports molasses to Paraguay

Imports in kind, t

The import market for molasses in Paraguay showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2021, imports stood at 3 tonnes, up by 31.4% from 2020. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 0.1 tonnes, which saw a complete drop of 100.0%. The highest increase occurred in 2020, with a surge of 2 277.8%. Overall, there was an extreme variation, with imports in 2018 being 8 973 times higher than in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Paraguay in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina and Colombia dominated Paraguay's molasses imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 99.1% of total flows. Other markets contributed only a minor share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Paraguay in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Paraguay's molasses import market experienced significant fluctuations. In 2021, imports were valued at approximately 7 thousand US dollars, a substantial increase of 130.3% over the previous year. The lowest value was in 2019 at 2 thousand US dollars, which recorded the sharpest decline of 99.2%. Import levels varied dramatically, with the 2018 high being 118 times greater than the 2019 low.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Paraguay in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Argentina and Colombia remained the key sources for Paraguay's molasses imports in value terms, together making up 93.1% of total flows. Other trading partners each held significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Paraguay in value, 2018-2021