AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS’ EXPORT SECTOR

The Agricultural sector is one of the main pillars of the Guatemalan economy, reporting exports of US$655 million in 2006, increasing 20% from the previous year.  This figure represents 28% of total exports of the country, and the sector provides jobs to 1,173,321 people.

AGEXPORT has 250 member companies which export agricultural products, all of which are parts of different Commissions: Fruits, Vegetables, Ornamental Plants, Foliages and Flowers, and Differentiated Products. Each commission has very dynamic exporters, who continue making efforts to increase exports and contribute to the development of Guatemala.

Strategies are being implemented to strengthen the sector and maintain its competitiveness. It is important to emphasize the support of the regulating unit called the Integral Agricultural and Environmental Protection Program (PIPAA, in Spanish) which is in charge of implementing phytosanitary vigilance programs and food safety control of vegetable products in Guatemala.  Exporters apply certification systems in their production, according to what is required by the target market. Also, exporters are implementing projects focused in social and environmental responsibility as well as helping in the development of rural communities.

Products: Guatemala offers to the world a wide array of high quality products:

·          Fresh and frozen vegetables: Chinese pea, sweet pea, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, okra, French green beans, tomato, green pepper, sweet corn, chives, Brussels sprouts, carrots, broad beans.

·          Fresh and frozen fruit: melon, mango, pineapple, blackberry, papaya, watermelon, avocado, Persian lime, rambutan.

·          Ornamental plants, foliages and flowers: leather leaf, yucca, dracaena, pony tail, roses, tree fern, tillandsias, sanseverias, and chamadorrea.

·          Differentiated products: spices, specialty coffees, organic products, honey, cardamom, sesame seeds.

In the last five years there has been significant growth, with a 15% annual increase. Within the objective to increase exports, strategies are being implemented to diversify exports and expand markets.

Production areas: In all Guatemala there is agricultural production, concentrated mainly in the central highlands. 

Main markets: Currently Guatemala exports to the following countries: United
States, Central America, Holland, Germany, England, Denmark, and Japan. 

Potential: Guatemala has a diversity of microclimates, which are ideal to grow many agricultural products that are bought in international markets. The country has a competitive advantage with flexible climates which allow the growth of a variety of crops that in the future will help expand the agricultural product export offer. Also, we expect to strengthen and create support programs, with the following goals for the near future: to increase production areas with low irrigation, integrate small and medium businesses to the export chain, strengthen sanitary and phytosanitary vigilance and diagnosis, develop a quality control system, and improve technological research. Also, we want to continue promoting our products internationally, by participating in specialty fairs.   

For more information:
PBX: (502) 2422-3400
FAX: (502) 2422-3434
portal@agexport.org.gt