Opportunities for U.S. Agricultural Products in Guatemala

By Mayora IP

Consumer-oriented products continue to present opportunities as the Guatemalan economy grows and Guatemalan consumers seek high-value products, according to a report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Strategically located in Central America, Guatemala benefits from seaport access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, facilitating trade. Furthermore, most U.S. imports face no tariffs, increasing the competitiveness of U.S. products in the Guatemalan market. Based on trade agreements, existing relationships, and geographical advantages, the United States should continue to have a strong market share of growing Guatemalan demand for consumer-oriented agricultural products. 

Following a decade of strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth, Guatemala’s economy is on trend to grow 3.5 percent in 2024 and 3.1 percent in 2025, driven by global Guatemalan export demand and private consumer spending supported by strong remittance inflows from the United States. 

In 2023, Guatemala was the 15th-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, with total exports reaching USD1.6 billion. Top U.S. agricultural exports include corn (USD271 million), soybean meal (USD270 million), poultry meat and products excluding eggs (USD193 million), and dairy products (USD111 million).

With the support of Guatemala’s growing economy, benefits from the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), and consumers’ shift toward high-value products, U.S. consumer products remain competitive in the Guatemalan agricultural import market. Products with growth and potential for U.S. consumer-oriented agricultural exports include (poultry and meat products (excluding eggs), dairy products, (pork and pork products, soup and food preparation, processed vegetables, beef and beef products, condiments and sauces, fresh fruit, bakery goods, cereals, and pasta, processed vegetables, and alcoholic beverages (wine and distilled spirits).