Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Paraguay

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Paraguay expanded from 12 361 t in 2018 to a peak of 14 911 t in 2020, driven by a surge in import volumes which reached over 6 180 t that year. Domestic production grew steadily, aided by the launch of a new high-yield seed variety in 2021, supported by government subsidies, which boosted local output. Regulatory measures, including the establishment of front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods in 2018, began shaping consumer awareness during this period.

Global factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising oil prices in 2022 affected agricultural trade and coincided with a modest market increase to 14 041 t. New phytosanitary control laws and updated quality requirements for fresh produce were implemented, regulating pesticide use and labeling. By 2023, the market contracted to 10 860 t as imports fell sharply to 1 965 t, a shift that occurred alongside the entry of imported products with front-of-pack labeling from Argentina, altering competitive dynamics for local growers.

The local horticultural sector advanced in productivity and diversification, with strengthened family farming. In 2024, Paraguay achieved record horticultural exports, including vegetables like pumpkins, and invested in road infrastructure to improve logistics for fresh produce. Further updates to quality certification and traceability rules for plant-based products were made in 2025, supporting market development.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Paraguay

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2018-2021

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2018-2021

Paraguay's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 8 873 tonnes, showing a modest increase of 1.6% compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production rose by 3.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Paraguay

According to industry analysis, Paraguay did not export any pumpkins, squash, or gourds between 2018 and 2021.

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Paraguay

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Paraguay's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from abroad declined. In 2021, imports totaled 4 976 tonnes, representing a significant drop of 19.5% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 32.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 6 182 tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 30.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil and Argentina were the sole sources for Paraguay's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in kind, together accounting for 100.0% of total imports.

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

Following two years of gains, the value of Paraguay's pumpkin, squash, and gourd imports fell. In 2021, imports amounted to 625.8 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 28.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 span, import value declined by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%. The peak value occurred in 2020 at 873.3 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest year-on-year increase of 7.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Brazil and Argentina dominated Paraguay's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, jointly making up 100.0% of total import flows.

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

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