Chicken meat and offal market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The Guatemalan chicken meat market expanded from 445.9 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 551.8 thousand tonnes in 2020. This growth was primarily driven by widespread promotion campaigns that highlighted the nutritional value and affordability of chicken, leading to a sharp increase in per capita consumption. Government policies that protected market prices and supported the agricultural sector, along with rising domestic production capacity, ensured sufficient supply to meet growing demand.

After a contraction to 477.1 thousand tonnes in 2021, the market recovered strongly, reaching 587.0 thousand tonnes by 2023. The recovery was supported by steady production growth, which increased by 2.99%, and industry stability maintained through biosecurity protocols. The national poultry industry's self-sufficiency and ongoing negotiations to access new export markets further contributed to the upward trend.

In 2024, new regulatory measures were introduced, including a legislative initiative for Front-of-Package Nutritional Warning Labeling (EFAN) and the entry into force of the updated Central American Technical Regulation RTCA 67.01.31:20 in August, which strengthened food safety standards for processed meat products. Meanwhile, major market player Pollo Campero launched new products and marketing campaigns to reinforce its domestic presence.

Production chicken meat and offal in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

Guatemala's chicken meat and offal production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 427.6 thousand tons, marking a robust 25.0% year-over-year improvement. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 48.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 14.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Guatemala's chicken meat and offal production value declined. In 2020, output was valued at 561.1 million US dollars, representing a slight 0.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 21.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 565.9 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 14.5%.

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

Exports chicken meat and offal from Guatemala

Exports in kind, K t

Guatemala's cross-border shipments of chicken meat and offal declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 1.2 thousand tons, equivalent to a steep 52.4% drop compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 43.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 17.4%. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 3.2 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 53.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala's chicken meat and offal exports were almost entirely directed to El Salvador, which accounted for 100.0% of total exports in volume terms.

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, M $ US

Guatemala's cross-border shipments of chicken meat and offal in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1.5 million US dollars, which is 62.2% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 53.9%, representing an annualized rate of 22.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 5.2 million US dollars, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 57.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador remained the overwhelmingly dominant buyer of chicken meat and offal from Guatemala, accounting for 100.0% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports chicken meat and offal to Guatemala

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Guatemala's imports of chicken meat and offal in volume declined. In 2020, the country imported 125.4 thousand tons, marking a modest 3.8% year-over-year drop. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 130.4 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, 98.5% of Guatemala's chicken meat and offal imports in volume were sourced from the United States, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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, M $ US

After two years of growth, Guatemala's imports of chicken meat and offal in value declined. In 2020, imports totaled approximately 100.7 million US dollars, down by 13.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3.0%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 116.7 million US dollars, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 9.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Guatemala's import structure in value terms, holding a 97.9% share of total flows.

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

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