Paraguayan Beef Advances Toward South Korea

Paraguayan beef is on track to enter a new destination in the Asian market. A technical delegation from South Korea is currently in the country, holding official meetings and visiting cattle ranches and meatpacking plants as part of the market access process that could be finalized in the first half of 2026.

The Korean delegation includes representatives from the Korea Meat Import Association, among them executives from Highland Foods, one of South Korea’s leading meat import and distribution companies. This is the first time that business leaders from the sector have traveled to Paraguay prior to the formal market opening.

The main goal of the visit is to gain firsthand insight into Paraguay’s beef value chain—from primary production to industrial processes—with a focus on meeting the international standards of quality and traceability.

Javier Viveros, Deputy Minister of Rediex, noted that the visit is the result of cooperation between the public and private sectors. He recalled that strategic actions have been promoted in coordination with the Paraguayan Meat Chamber (CPC) to prepare the country to enter one of the world’s most demanding markets.

Daniel Burt, General Manager of the CPC, described the visit as historic, emphasizing that the Korean private sector’s interest reflects trust in the near-term opening of the market. He also highlighted that the delegation was interested not only in the ranches and meatpacking facilities, but also in the public policies supporting the sector.

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The final step for market access is a sanitary evaluation by the Korean veterinary authority, scheduled for October this year. If deadlines are met, Paraguayan beef could officially enter the South Korean market in the first half of 2026.

For Paraguay, access to this market represents a strategic opportunity. South Korea is one of the wealthiest countries in Asia with a growing demand for beef, opening a path for diversification in the national meat industry.

Positioning Paraguayan beef in this market would strengthen its presence in international trade, where it is already established in high-standard destinations like Chile, Israel, and the European Union. With this outlook, the country aims to enhance its regional competitiveness.

El artículo en español aquí.