Corn exports fell by 48% between January and November compared to last year's figures, due to several factors that come together: a decrease in grain production, the depreciation of the real, and others.

Paraguayan corn exports, from January to the end of November, totaled 1,728,010 tons, which compared to the 3,297,944 tons shipped in the same period in 2023, shows a decrease of 48%, according to the foreign trade report of the Paraguayan Chamber of Exporters and Traders of Cereals and Oilseeds (Capeco).

Considering only shipments for the 2024 harvest, which began six months ago (June to November), a reduction of 935,777 tons can also be observed.

In this cycle, they have already exported 1.3 million tons, while in the same period of 2023 they had already shipped 2.2 million tons, according to the report.

Capeco's Foreign Trade advisor, Sonia Tomassone, analyzed the decrease in corn shipments and attributed it to the devaluation of the real, as well as the lower production of the grain in this 2024 harvest.

He also clarified that, at this time, there is already very little supply of grains in the local market.

"Normally, November and December tend to be months of specific business (for corn) to meet domestic demand and make room in the silos for the entry of the new soybean harvest," he said.

It is also noted that when considering exports by calendar year (January to November), with the decrease in the volume shipped and the lower international price, US$ 362 million were not imported into the country for this item, compared to the profits for the same period in 2023.

Production projections are not encouraging either: it is estimated that the 2024 harvest will reach only 3.1 million tons, which will imply a reduction of almost 40% compared to the results of the 2023 cycle.

DESTINATIONS

The Capeco report indicates that the new harvest was exported entirely by land.

Thus, Brazil maintains its leadership as the main destination for Paraguayan corn, with 90% of total shipments.

Chile and Uruguay follow (10%). Regarding companies, it is detailed that there are 59 companies responsible for corn grain exports, harvest 2024 from June to November 2024.

The main ones are Agrofértil, which leads the list with a 20% share. It is followed by Lar (17%), C.Vale (8%), Agrotec (7%) and Cargill (6%).