Paraguay: Import Permits Halted as Domestic Potato Harvest Targets 14,000 Tonnes
Paraguay has stopped issuing import permits for potatoes and onions as the national harvest begins. The agriculture ministry expects 13.5-14 million kilos of potatoes by December.
Paraguay has stopped issuing import permits for potatoes and onions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) says local harvests can now supply the market. The measure was reported on 24 and 25 September 2026.
Ernesto Sotelo, the commercialization director at MAG, explained the decision. He said the country is entering the high production period on small farms. Both potato and onion harvests have started in the Eastern Region and in the Chaco.
The restriction applies to the phytosanitary import authorization, known as AFIDI. According to Prensa Mercosur, the last authorized shipments arrived in August and September. The ministry says imports without authorization are illegal. The goal is to protect local growers from irregular entry of product.
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Production and prices
According to Prensa Mercosur, MAG expects national potato production of 13.5 to 14 million kilos through December. Onion production is expected to reach 20 million kilos. Both crops currently sell at 5,000 to 6,000 guaraníes per kilo. At these prices, growers can cover costs and keep a margin, according to the ministry.
The combined value of the two harvests could reach about 170 billion guaraníes. That is roughly US$28-30 million, according to the same report.
More farmers’ markets
MAG also plans to expand family farming fairs. These markets let growers sell directly to consumers. A large fair is planned in San Lorenzo next week. More fairs will follow in other parts of the country. Sotelo said the aim is to create more sales channels for small producers.
Why it matters
Paraguay depends on imports for much of the year, mainly from neighbouring countries. Seasonal import stops protect local prices during the national harvest. For exporters in the region, the window for shipping potatoes to Paraguay is now closed until the ministry reopens permits. For Paraguayan growers, the key question is whether prices hold at 5,000-6,000 guaraníes as volumes rise.
Photo: Potato harvest on the Bolivian Altiplano (not Paraguay) (illustrative). CLAUDIOLD / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
