Paraguay's Maize Harvest Disrupted, Cereal Exports Reach Record Levels
Paraguay's maize harvest for the Zafriña season is nearing completion after being disrupted by torrential rainfall in July and August. The country's main maize-producing departments, Alto Paraná, Itapúa, Caaguazú, and Canindeyú, were affected.
The strong demand from the domestic ethanol and feed industries led to above-average maize plantings, which is expected to offset localized crop losses. Aggregate maize production for 2026, including the minor maize season harvested between December 2025 and January 2026, is forecast at 5.5 million tonnes, above the five-year average.
The wheat harvest in Paraguay is expected to start in September with output anticipated at near-average levels but below the above-average harvests recorded in the previous two years due to low prices and excessive precipitation.