China-Paraguay business meeting in Ciudad del Este on the 18th

The meeting is organized by China Consultora, a firm registered in Hong Kong with administrative headquarters in China, which advises Latin American companies interested in doing business with the Chinese market.

According to a business advisor with China and Asia-Pacific region expertise, the activity seeks to promote commercial exchange while keeping private business separate from political issues. However, the geopolitical context is relevant: Paraguay is the only South American country with diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and its commercial ties with Beijing are conditioned by its alliance with the United States.

Ciudad del Este functions as the main Chinese entry point to the region and commercial platform for Argentina and Brazil. Similar initiatives have already occurred: in 2025, China organized a business forum sponsored by Chinese chambers of commerce with Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia.

On the political front, the secretary of the Paraguay-China Friendly Exchange Association stated that, without pressure from Washington, the Colorado Party itself would be the main driver of negotiations with Beijing. Aceros del Oriente is cited as an example of Chinese capital already operating in the country.

In the Paraguayan Congress, parliamentarians from ANR and PLRA, as well as the vice-president of the Chamber of Deputies, are identified as promoters of a commercial agenda with China. The vice-president has publicly defended since 2025 that Paraguay reconsider its relationship with Taiwan in favor of ties with Beijing.

Despite the lack of diplomatic relations, bilateral trade continues to grow steadily. According to the Central Bank of Paraguay, through March 2026, Paraguayan imports from China reached USD 1,641.2 million (37.1% of total imports), with a year-over-year increase of 11.1%. Main products: cell phones, data processing equipment and tires. Brazil ranked second (USD 954.7 million) and the United States third (USD 299.6 million, with a 29.4% year-over-year increase).

Between January and May 2026, imports from China totaled USD 2,747 million (36.4% of the total). In the first complete semester, they reached USD 3,317 million (36%). In 2025, the annual total set a record of USD 6,122 million.