Asuncion, Paraguay, February 8, 2026
Paraguay’s Pharmaceutical Industry Sees Robust Growth, Aims for Regional Recognition
Table of Contents
- Paraguay’s Pharmaceutical Industry Sees Robust Growth, Aims for Regional Recognition
- From Skepticism to 60% Market Share
- $300 Million Invested in Modernization and Expansion
- Challenges Remain: Financing and Recognition
- Labor Shortages and the Call for Skilled Workers
- Export Growth and the Dinavisa Factor
- Attracting Foreign Investment with Technological Expertise
A thriving pharmaceutical sector in Paraguay is experiencing significant expansion, with national products now accounting for 60% of the private market.
- Paraguay’s pharmaceutical industry has grown substantially over the last decade, attracting over $300 million in investment.
- Domestic pharmaceutical products now comprise 60% of the country’s $500 million private pharmaceutical market.
- Industry leaders are focused on securing recognition for Paraguay’s regulatory body, Dinavisa, to boost exports.
- A key challenge remains securing dedicated financing for the pharmaceutical industry, similar to that available for agriculture and livestock.
Paraguay’s pharmaceutical sector is experiencing a period of impressive growth, with locally produced medicines gaining significant traction in the market. Currently, national products account for 60% of the approximately $500 million private pharmaceutical market, a dramatic shift from decades past. What factors have contributed to this surge in acceptance of Paraguayan-made pharmaceuticals? According to Gerardo García Saguier, president of the Chamber of the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry of Paraguay (Cifarma), the change stems from a demonstrated commitment to quality and effectiveness.
“Previously, 20, 25 years ago, we had many problems for the Paraguayan medical professional to be able to recommend the purchase of products made in Paraguay,” García Saguier explained. “That totally changed. At this moment it changed, and it shows. The doctor is not going to prescribe something that does not work because he is playing games with the patient.” This newfound confidence in domestic products has fueled substantial investment in the industry.
$300 Million Invested in Modernization and Expansion
Over the last 10 years, more than $300 million has been invested in Paraguay’s pharmaceutical industry, primarily focused on updating existing plants and expanding into new production areas. One company is currently investing to upgrade its facilities, even establishing Paraguay as a regional distribution center. This growth isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about positioning Paraguay as a key player in the regional pharmaceutical landscape.
Challenges Remain: Financing and Recognition
Despite the success, challenges persist. Securing dedicated financing for the pharmaceutical industry remains a key hurdle. While sectors like agriculture and livestock benefit from specific financial resources, the pharmaceutical industry currently lacks such support. Discussions with the Ministry of Industry are underway to address this disparity and potentially designate the industry as “strategic,” allowing it to cover 100% of the country’s therapeutic needs. Currently, domestic production meets approximately 60% of demand.
The Need for Biotechnology Investment
Closing the remaining 40% gap requires investment in more complex areas, particularly biotechnological products used for treating rare diseases and cancer. These products represent the most challenging – and costly – aspect of expanding domestic pharmaceutical capabilities.
Labor Shortages and the Call for Skilled Workers
Another significant challenge is a shortage of qualified personnel. Graduates in chemistry and pharmacy are quickly absorbed into the job market, creating a demand for technical training programs. Cifarma is exploring initiatives to provide training in areas like quality control and production, easing the strain on the workforce.
Paraguay’s pharmaceutical exports currently stand at around $80 million, and are growing, with approximately 50% facilitated through maquila programs. However, industry leaders believe exports could double with greater recognition of Dinavisa, the national regulatory body, as a regional reference authority. “If we become recognized with Dinavisa as a reference entity, we will go from the 80 million (dollars) that we are exporting to at least double,” García Saguier stated.
Attracting Foreign Investment with Technological Expertise
Looking ahead, the industry welcomes foreign investment, but with a specific request: not just capital, but also technological expertise. “We need greater technological knowledge to come,” García Saguier emphasized, highlighting the importance of innovation in sustaining growth and competitiveness.
In 2024, the industry experienced 7% growth, and in 2025, that figure rose to 10%. The goal for the current year is to maintain at least a 10% growth rate, contingent on securing Dinavisa’s regional recognition and continued investment in key areas.
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