Paraguay Waterway Toll Fight Reopens Over Argentine Charge

Paraguay's shipping industry is rekindling its campaign against Argentina's toll on the Paraguay-Paraná waterway, a fee that could significantly impact agricultural profits. The waterway toll dispute has been ongoing since 2023 and remains unresolved as of August 2026. Argentina asserts that the tariff supports maintenance of the shared Hidrovía Paraguay-Paraná, a navigable river system spanning Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.

However, Paraguayan shipowners argue that the charge cuts deeply into export margins from agriculture. The northern segment of the waterway from Santa Fe to northward incurs a US$1.30 per net registered tonne toll, while other stretches have tolls up to US$4.30 per net registered tonne. Argentina justifies the toll as necessary for waterway upkeep, but no fresh official statement on this matter has surfaced in August 2026.

Paraguay has lodged a complaint within Mercosur, the Southern Common Market, alleging that the toll hinders free navigation and the competitiveness of its exports. The dispute has led to diplomatic tensions but no resolution. Paraguay's shipping sector is currently expanding, with plans to add around 15 new tugs and over 400 barges in the next two years.

The waterway, critical for Paraguayan exports to Atlantic markets, is operated by 3,445 Paraguayan-flagged vessels, including 2,700 dry bulk barges and 380 tugs, with a combined static cargo capacity of 4,507,737 tonnes plus 10,812 TEUs.