Fresh papayas market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The Guatemalan fresh papaya market saw moderate domestic volumes around 25 000 t in 2018-2019, as the declaration of the Petén region as pest-free opened U.S. market access, channeling a large share of the harvest toward exports. This regulatory achievement, supported by the Moscamed program, solidified the country's export-oriented focus, with exports reaching 62 000 t in 2019.

A pivotal shift occurred in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic boosted global demand for immune-boosting fruits, including papaya, stimulating production. Combined with sustained government promotion of fruit cultivation through MAGA, this helped increase domestic availability. The subsequent adoption of the high-yield Tainung variety and improved irrigation techniques in eastern Guatemala further raised productivity, supporting market supply.

By 2023, the domestic market volume expanded to 44 000 t, aided by new international players like Wyco Produce handling the Tainung variety and the launch of the premium, year-round 'Dulzita' papaya for the U.S. market. These innovations in product offerings and export channels diversified the industry while contributing to greater domestic availability.

Production fresh papayas in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Guatemala ranked as the 19th largest producer of fresh papayas during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh papayas, 2017-2020

Fresh papaya production in Guatemala increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 89.0 thousand tons of fresh papayas, representing a year-over-year gain of 3.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Guatemala's fresh papaya production value rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 48 449 thousand US dollars, which is 14.0% higher than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 37.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%.

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

Exports fresh papayas from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

Guatemala exported 55 204 tons of fresh papayas in 2020, indicating a robust decline of 11.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 9%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 62 092 tons, with the largest increase of 4.2% also occurring that year.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, two key markets—the United States and El Salvador—dominated exports in volume, together accounting for 99.5% of total flows.

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

After a two-year rise, Guatemala's fresh papaya exports declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 30 041 thousand US dollars, constituting a slight reduction of 2.4% over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 18.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 30 776 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 11.8% also in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States and El Salvador remained the main destinations for exports in value terms, accounting together for 99.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports fresh papayas to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in import volumes during the period. The lowest imports were recorded in 2019 at 51 tons, while the highest stood at 122 tons in 2017, reflecting a 2.4-fold gap. In 2020, Guatemala imported approximately 122 tons of fresh papayas, marking a dramatic uptick of 140.7% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 44.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States and Honduras clearly dominated imports in volume of fresh papayas to Guatemala, jointly accounting for 86.6% of total flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

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 drop, imported fresh papaya volumes in Guatemala increased. In 2020, imports reached 44 thousand US dollars, reflecting a dramatic increase of 39.0% compared with 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 34.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 32 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 41.4% also in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States dominated the partner structure for imports in value terms, with a share of 76.2% of total flows; other markets had comparatively modest shares.

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

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