Dried shelled legumes market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

In 2019, production of dried shelled legumes in Guatemala fell sharply to 389.7 thousand tons from 618.5 thousand tons the previous year, while market volume dropped from 633.8 thousand tons to 400.3 thousand tons. This decline was primarily due to adverse climate conditions, such as drought in some regions, which affected agricultural output. During this period, the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA) promoted legumes as a key food security crop, providing technical support and genetic improvement of beans through the Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (ICTA).

After 2019, production fluctuated, reaching 385.4 thousand tons in 2023, with market volume growing to 416.7 thousand tons. The increase in 2023 was driven by a MAGA program that trained producers and distributed improved seeds, strengthening national production. At the same time, rising international demand for Guatemalan legumes, with new market opportunities identified by the Exporters Association (Agexport), stimulated export growth and supply chain strengthening.

Imports of dried shelled legumes rose from 15.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 43.4 thousand tons in 2024, indicating growing reliance on foreign supply. In 2024, a new regulation was implemented to streamline administrative procedures in the agricultural sector, which may improve integration. External factors such as logistical issues in the Panama Canal and inflation changes in supplier countries impacted food costs in Guatemala.

Production dried shelled legumes in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

Guatemala's production of dried shelled legumes declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 370.0 thousand tons, marking a gradual 5.0% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 39.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 15.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 618.5 thousand tons, with a modest increase of 1.6% that year. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production plummeted by 37.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Guatemala's production value for dried shelled legumes saw an uptick. In 2020, the output was valued at 395.6 million US dollars, representing a 1.5% increase from the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 54.2%, averaging an annualized decline of 22.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 389.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 54.5%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

The export market for dried shelled legumes from Guatemala showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 466 tons, with a decline of 29.3% that year. In contrast, 2020 saw peak exports of 2 950 tons, marking a substantial 107.2% increase year-over-year. This resulted in a 6.3-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports surging by 205.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of dried shelled legumes from Guatemala were Costa Rica, accounting for 32.5% of exports in kind, El Salvador with 30.8%, and the United States at 23.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 86.9% of Guatemala's total exports in kind during this period.

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

Export values for dried shelled legumes from Guatemala displayed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 646 thousand US dollars, with a decline of 31.1% that year. In 2020, exports surged to 3 153 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt 121.5% increase year-over-year. This created a 4.9-fold variation between the peak in 2020 and the minimum in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, El Salvador, and Costa Rica were the three main markets for Guatemala's dried shelled legumes exports in value terms. Together, they absorbed 88.9% of the total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

Imports of dried shelled legumes into Guatemala exhibited an unstable trend over the observed period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 074 tons, with a decline of 23.6% that year. In 2020, imports peaked at 22 862 tons, representing an 89.3% increase compared to the previous year. This resulted in a 1.9-fold gap between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources of dried shelled legumes imports to Guatemala were Argentina, contributing 34.2% of imports in kind, the United States with 29.4%, and Nicaragua at 13.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 77.0% of total imports in kind, making them the primary suppliers.

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

The import market for dried shelled legumes in Guatemala showed signs of volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was registered in 2019 at 11 265 thousand US dollars, with a decline of 22.8% that year. In 2020, imports reached their highest point at 23 158 thousand US dollars, marking a steep 105.6% advance compared to 2019. This created a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times between 2020 and 2019.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States stood out as the main market for imports in value terms, accounting for 34.6% of the total. Argentina followed with 25.8%, and Nicaragua contributed 14.5%. Together, these three countries represented 74.9% of total import flows in value terms.

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

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