Browse Data and Analysis

Guatemala ranked as the #16 largest U.S. agricultural export market despite a nine percent decline, mainly due to lower imports of bulk commodities in 2023, reaching $1.6 million. It's crucial to remember that Guatemala, relying on foreign exchange by international trade, remittances, and tourism, is the largest economy in Central America, with an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) of $102.8 billion, a 19-million-person market, and relative economic stability.

Zambia’s production of its staple crop, corn, is expected to drop by more than 50 percent in marketing year 2024/25, due to extended dry spells associated with the El Niño event. Almost a million hectares of corn have been destroyed by the drought that forced the Zambian President to declare a “National Disaster and Emergency”.

The 2023 U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook provides a statistical summary of U.S. agricultural commodity exports to the world during the 2023 calendar year.

Guatemala coffee area was updated by the National Coffee Association (ANACAFE), accurately reporting now 376,000 hectares (Ha) from previous 305,000 Ha. The updated area and number of trees do not affect previous data or production estimates. Guatemala maintains position 9 as the largest coffee exporter and 4th largest Arabica coffee exporter worldwide.

In marketing year (MY)2024/25, Guatemala is forecast to produce 2.4 million metric tons (MT) of sugar from a harvested area of 242,000 hectares (Ha). Though harvested area is increasing as positive sugar prices in the international market motivate producers to keep up renovation with improved local genetics, overall production is forecast to drop four percent for the estimated harvest of MY2023/24 (2.5 million MT), due to a late start to the rainy season and an extended El Niño year.

Guatemala continues to be a net importer of both yellow corn and rice. Corn area and production in MY2024/2025 are forecast to slightly increase to keep up with increased consumption for both food and feed; the avian sector keeps steady growth at 3-4 percent annually.

U.S. exports of agricultural products to Guatemala in 2022 increased 11.2 percent from 2021, reaching $1.8 billion. The Guatemalan economy relies on foreign exchange generated by international trade, remittances, and the tourism sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) has a regulation in place for the approval of biotech crops.

On July 14, 2023, Guatemala notified G/SPS/N/GTM/75, corresponding to the Regional Technical Regulation (RTCA) 67.04.79:23, providing specifications for yogurt.

This report contains the list of all the mandatory export certificates required by the Government of Guatemala for agricultural imports.

The HRI report provides U.S. agricultural exporters current information on market trends and the best product prospects for the Guatemalan market.

Zambia’s production of its staple crop, corn, is expected to grow by 23 percent to 3.3 million metric tons (MMT) in marketing year (MY) 2023/24, mainly due to an upsurge in planted area.