Guatemala’s Exports Reach US$7.2 Billion in First Five Months of 2026
Guatemala’s exports reached US$7.2 billion through May 2026, led by coffee, apparel and sugar, according to the Bank of Guatemala.
Exports from Guatemala totaled US$7.199 billion during the first five months of 2026, representing a 5.5% increase compared with the same period in 2025, according to the latest report from the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat). The country added US$376 million in export value year over year, supported by strong performances across both traditional and non-traditional sectors.
Coffee remains Guatemala's leading export product
Coffee continued to be Guatemala's largest export, generating US$892.3 million in international sales and accounting for 12.4% of total exports between January and May.
The apparel industry ranked second, contributing US$665.8 million, equivalent to 9.2% of total export revenue.
Sugar followed with US$486.2 million and a 6.8% share, while banana exports reached US$461.4 million, representing 6.4% of the country's foreign sales.
Edible fats and oils generated US$391.4 million, accounting for 5.4% of exports, while plastics and plastic products contributed US$265.1 million, or 3.7% of total export value.
Together, these leading export categories represented 43.9% of Guatemala's total exports during the period.
Non-traditional exports continue expanding
Beyond the country's largest export sectors, Banguat highlighted the continued growth of non-traditional products.
Cardamom generated US$262.9 million in export revenue, representing 3.7% of total exports and reinforcing its strategic role within Guatemala's agricultural economy, particularly in the northern regions of the country.
Demand from Middle Eastern markets continues to support Guatemala's cardamom industry, where the country's production competes through its recognized aromatic quality.
Fresh, dried and frozen fruits also delivered strong results, totaling US$243.8 million in exports.
Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry exported products worth US$197.5 million, strengthening its presence across regional markets.
According to the report, these sectors contribute to a more diversified export base and support efforts to reduce Guatemala's historical dependence on a limited number of primary commodities.
Central America and the United States remain top export destinations
Regional markets continued to dominate Guatemala's international trade, with Central America and North America together accounting for 80.7% of total exports.
Central America remained Guatemala's largest export destination, importing goods valued at US$2.339 billion, equivalent to 32.5% of total exports.
The United States closely followed with purchases totaling US$2.315 billion, representing 32.2% of Guatemala's foreign sales.
The Eurozone ranked third with imports valued at US$641.7 million, accounting for 8.9% of exports.
Mexico imported US$311 million, representing 4.3%, while Canada completed the top five destinations with US$202.4 million, equivalent to 2.8% of total exports.
Guatemala aims to strengthen long-term export competitiveness
Guatemala closed 2025 with US$15.595 billion in export revenue, exceeding the US$14.556 billion recorded in 2024.
Looking ahead, Javier Castillo, member of the Board of Directors of the Guatemalan Exporters Association (Agexport), said the organization aims to increase Guatemala's exports to US$35 billion by 2035.
According to Castillo, achieving that objective will require more than export growth. He emphasized the need for modern transportation and logistics infrastructure, more efficient ports and airports, streamlined customs procedures, competitive energy costs, legal certainty, digitalization, simplified administrative processes and a long-term strategy to attract export-oriented investment.
