Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Paraguay

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sunflower oil in Paraguay declined steadily from 33 789 t in 2018 to 18 459 t in 2022, before recovering to 21 541 t in 2023. Initial contraction was partly driven by consumer shift toward soybean and olive oils, which reduced sunflower oil sales. The sharp drop in 2021 coincided with changes to Argentina’s export duty scheme that curtailed regional sunflower oil trade and increased competition from larger Russian and Ukrainian production. In 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine disrupted global sunflower supply, affecting availability and price levels in Paraguay. Market recovery in 2023 followed an expansion of sunflower cultivation area in Argentina, which eased regional supply constraints.

Domestic production mirrored this trajectory, falling from 18 100 t in 2018 to 12 400 t in 2021, then rising to 17 100 t by 2023 as local output responded to tighter import conditions and higher global prices. Imports collapsed from 19 393 t in 2019 to 4 336 t in 2022, reflecting reduced regional availability and competitive pressures from Argentina. Exports fluctuated considerably, peaking at 3 868 t in 2020 when production was redirected abroad, then dropping sharply in 2021 and 2023 as trade flows adjusted.

Imports rebounded strongly in 2024 and 2025, reaching 9 017 t and 17 180 t respectively, while exports also increased. This surge in trade activity coincided with expanding food industry needs and rising biofuel demand for sunflower oil in Argentina, which altered regional supply and demand patterns.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Paraguay

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2018-2021

Paraguay's production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions rebounded in 2021 after two years of decline. The country produced 12 400 tonnes that year, marking a slight increase of 0.8% compared to 2020. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 31.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 11.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 12 300 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2019 with a 20.4% decrease.

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

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Paraguay

Exports in kind, t

The export market for sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Paraguay showed significant volatility over the period. Imports fluctuated dramatically, with a 12.6-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2018. In 2021, exports totaled 920 tonnes, representing a sharp year-over-year decline of 76.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 868 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a surge of 475.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico, the United States, and Brazil were the primary markets for Paraguay's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in volume terms. Mexico accounted for 40.5% of exports, followed by the United States at 26.5% and Brazil at 21.7%. Together, these three countries represented 88.7% 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

Export values for sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Paraguay were highly unstable during this timeframe. The peak was reached in 2020, while the trough occurred in 2018, with an 11.6-fold gap between these years. In 2021, exports amounted to 1 142 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp reduction of 61.5% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 966 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase happened in 2019 with a jump of 405.4%.

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

Over the 2018–2021 period, Mexico, the United States, and Brazil remained the leading destinations for Paraguay's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms. Mexico held a 35.9% share, the United States accounted for 33.7%, and Brazil made up 20.9%. Combined, these three markets represented 90.5% 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 sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Paraguay

Imports in kind, t

Paraguay's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 7 682 tonnes, which was down by 51.5% compared to 2020. Over the broader period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 52%, equating to an average annual decline of 21.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 393 tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 21.2%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Argentina dominated the geographical structure of Paraguay's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in volume terms, accounting for 96.9% of total import flows.

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 imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms fell for the second year in a row in 2021, reaching 12 702 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 27.9% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports declined by 33.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.5%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 21 686 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase also occurred in 2019 at 14.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Paraguay's reliance on Argentina was pronounced in the import structure for sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms, with Argentina accounting for 97.9% of total imports.

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

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