Paraná increases exports to the European Union by 12.91% in January.

Even before the European Union – Mercosur trade agreement came into effect, exports from Paraná to the European Union totaled US$ 197.9 million in January 2026, which represented an increase of 12.9% compared to the same month of 2025, when sales to the economic bloc totaled US$ 175.3 million. The data are from the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), organized by the Paraná Institute for Economic and Social Development and released this Wednesday (11).

Photo: Jonathan Campos/AEN-PR

Traditional markets significantly influenced the growth of state exports to the European Union, particularly sales to Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland, which showed increases of 19.5%, 25.7%, and 215.2%, respectively, in the first month of this year.

In the case of Germany, there was a jump from US$36.9 million to US$44.1 million, with soybean meal leading the list, while exports to the Netherlands increased from US$31.6 million to US$39.7 million, driven mainly by biodiesel. Sales to Poland advanced from US$5.4 million to US$17.1 million, also reflecting growing sales of soybean meal.

The largest percentage increase was recorded by trade with Slovenia (9.952%), as a result of increased exports from US$ 143.7 thousand in January 2025 to US$ 14.4 million at the beginning of 2026. Again, soybean meal was the main contributor to the considerable increase.

In terms of products, for the European Union as a whole, the largest trade expansions were accounted for in exports of

Photo: Claudio Neves/Ports of Paraná

Earthmoving machinery, paper, vehicle engine parts, fresh chicken meat, and chemical products. In the latter case, shipments of biodiesel predominated, a commodity in which the state has a significant share of national production. “There has been specific progress in some countries resulting from the proactive approach of exporters in seeking new markets, which takes into account global challenges with trade barriers,” says Jorge Callado, CEO of Ipardes. “And the continued growth of exports to the European Union will be very beneficial for the economy of Paraná. We have very positive prospects, due to the agreement between Mercosur and the European bloc, which will allow for the intensification of trade.”

According to estimates by Ipardes, for every annual increase of 1% in state exports to the bloc, R$ 137.5 million will be added to Paraná's GDP. Furthermore, the same measure of growth in foreign sales could generate 1,100 jobs, due to both the positive effect on export activity and the repercussions on related sectors.

Photo: Claudio Neves/Ports of Paraná

Global trade

Considering all markets, Paraná's exports totaled US$1.38 billion in January 2026, with a high representation of food products, which accounted for 58% of total sales. With this, the state remains among the main exporters in Brazil.

Besides the European bloc, the main importers of products from Paraná continue to be China (US$226 million), Iran (US$67 million), Argentina (US$55 million), the United States (US$51 million), and Paraguay (US$50 million). Trade with China grew by 30% compared to January 2025, as did trade with Paraguay, with an increase of 6.6% of the same value.

The main products exported in January were chicken meat (US$ 323 billion), soybeans (US$ 146 million), soybean meal (US$ 107 million), paper (US$ 63 million), cereals (US$ 62 million), cellulose (US$ 51 million) and pork (US$ 38 million).