Guatemala’s Exports Gain Strength in 2025, Setting the Stage for 2026

Guatemala’s foreign trade performance in 2025 reflects a solid expansion path that strengthens current results while laying the groundwork for export growth in 2026, according to the country’s central bank.

Recent export figures point to sustained growth, supported by key productive sectors and improving trade conditions with the United States.

Export Revenues Rise 7% in 2025

Data released by the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat) show that foreign currency inflows from exports reached US$13.055 billion between January and October 2025, representing a 7% year-over-year increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Export growth has been driven by several strategic sectors. Apparel exports accounted for US$1.288 billion, equivalent to:

• 9.9% of total export revenues
• Coffee (9.3%)
• Bananas (6.8%)
• and sugar (6.3%)

Consolidating their role as pillars of Guatemala’s external trade.

Banguat Projects 6% Export Growth by Year-End

During a press conference announcing the revision of economic growth projections, Johny Gramajo, Economic Manager at Banguat, highlighted the positive outlook for exports by the end of the year.

“For the close of 2025, a central growth value of 6% for exports is expected,” Gramajo stated, emphasizing the strong performance observed throughout the year.

This projection reflects both sectoral strength and favorable macroeconomic conditions that continue to support Guatemala’s export base.

Tariff Reductions Set to Boost Exports in 2026

While 2025 figures remain robust, monetary authorities have revised their 2026 export growth forecast upward, maintaining an expected expansion rate of 6.0%.

A key factor behind this adjustment is the impact of trade agreements with the United States, particularly those related to tariff reductions.

“The effects of the tariff agreement Guatemala reached with the United States would not be reflected in 2025, but particularly in 2026. That is why we are improving our export projections,” Gramajo explained.

These policy changes are expected to enhance Guatemala’s competitiveness in its main export market.

Manufacturing and Textiles Gain Momentum

The manufacturing sector is projected to be one of the primary beneficiaries of improved trade conditions. Official estimates indicate that manufacturing growth will rise from 2.7% in 2024 to 4% in 2026.

Textiles play a central role in this outlook. Nearly one-third of Guatemala’s exports to the U.S. market come from this segment, which will benefit from tariff exemptions already incorporated into Banguat’s projections.

Improved Outlook Reinforced by Central Bank Authorities

Alfredo Blanco, Vice President of the Bank of Guatemala, reinforced the positive outlook for manufacturing and exports.

“There is an improvement from 2.7% in 2025 to 4.0% in 2026 in the manufacturing industry, and that improvement includes the announcement by the relevant authorities of lower tariffs for textiles, as well as some agricultural products,” Blanco stated.

Despite global challenges such as geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding international tariff policies, Guatemala’s economy continues to show resilience.

With GDP growth projected at 3.7% for 2026 and inflation remaining under control, Banguat views the export sector as a key driver of economic stability and development in the short and medium term.