Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The Guatemalan capsicum and pimenta market volume increased from 41 000 t to 69 000 t between 2018 and 2023. Growth began in 2019 when promoted standards for international markets spurred a 31% surge to 54 000 t, supported by large producers with access to technology. Despite phytosanitary challenges in 2020, the focus on organic and export‑oriented crops sustained expansion to 56 600 t.

Market volume continued rising to 59 500 t in 2021 as local actors became more integrated into the value chain. A further 13.6% jump to 67 600 t occurred in 2022, reflecting robust supply expansion. By 2023, growth stabilized near 69 000 t, tempered by global climate factors and price volatility, while increased processing capacity in the agri‑food sector provided underlying support.

In 2024, new legislation (Decree 31‑2024) exempted unprocessed primary products from VAT when destined for export, and Del Monte Fresh Produce started greenhouse operations dedicated to pepper cultivation, signaling enhanced production infrastructure.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

Guatemala's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 74 467 tons, marking a gradual 4.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 29.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of gains, Guatemala's production value of capsicum and pimenta fruits declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 42 915 thousand US dollars, showing a significant decrease of 24.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 57 017 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 24.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Guatemala in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

Exports of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Guatemala have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 18 607 tons, representing a 4.8% uptick compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 6.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador and the United States were the dominant destinations for exports in volume, jointly accounting for 94.8% of total flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Guatemala's exports of capsicum and pimenta fruits in value terms totaled 10 723 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 24.4% decline compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 21.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 14 188 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Guatemala in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the primary market for exports in value terms, holding a 75.8% share of total flows, while the rest was distributed across various other destinations.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Guatemala in value, 2017-2020

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 63 tons and peaked in 2020 at 717 tons, representing an 11.3-fold difference. In 2020, Guatemala imported 717 tons of capsicum and pimenta fruits, indicating a dramatic 85.9% increase from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 76.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 508.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Honduras played a dominant role in imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Guatemala, consistently accounting for 97.2% of total volume flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, foreign supplies of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Guatemala increased. In 2020, imports reached 56 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt rise of 68.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 10.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 33 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 31.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Guatemala in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Honduras together captured 83.2% of total imports in value terms, with the remaining flows thinly spread across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Guatemala in value, 2017-2020