Singapore opens market for Paraguayan sheep meat imports

SINGAPORE – Singapore has authorised the importation of sheep meat from Paraguay after issuing an official veterinary certificate during the 93rd General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The certification was formally presented by Singapore’s veterinary authorities at the international gathering attended by senior representatives from Paraguay’s livestock and agricultural institutions, including SENACSA and the Rural Association of Paraguay.

Officials involved in the process indicated that the approval followed prolonged technical coordination and sanitary compliance efforts to meet the requirements of high-standard import markets.

The development comes as Paraguay continues to position itself within global animal protein trade routes, with Asia identified as one of the key demand regions for imported meat products.

Sheep sector context in Paraguay

Paraguay’s livestock industry is heavily concentrated in cattle production, which accounts for the vast majority of national meat output, while sheep farming remains a relatively small component of the agricultural system.

The country’s sheep population is estimated to range from 370,000 to 655,000 head when combined with related small ruminants, with most production occurring in mixed or extensive farming systems.

Annual sheep meat output is limited compared to beef, with recent estimates placing production at roughly 1,020 to 1,430 metric tons, reflecting a sector that has remained largely stable with only gradual shifts in output levels.

Exports of sheep meat have historically been minimal, with domestic consumption absorbing most of the production, and formal international trade only beginning to develop in recent years.

However, Paraguay has recently secured access to several foreign markets for ovine products, including Israel in 2025, the United Arab Emirates in early 2026, and now Singapore, marking a gradual expansion of trade destinations.

Initial export volumes remain small, with early shipments measured in limited tonnage while processing facilities undergo certification and scale up to meet international sanitary and logistical requirements.

These emerging export flows are largely directed toward markets with specific demand for lamb and mutton, including regions where halal-certified meat is required, while beef continues to dominate Paraguay’s overall meat export earnings.

The recent market openings indicate a gradual diversification of Paraguay’s animal protein exports, though the sheep sector continues to account for a minor share of total livestock trade.

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