Maize market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market in Guatemala expanded from 3.1 million tons in 2018 to 3.7 million tons in 2022, before a minor contraction to 3.7 million tons in 2023. This growth was underpinned by gradual increases in domestic production, which rose from 2.0 million tons to 2.1 million tons over the period, alongside substantial imports that reached 1.6 million tons by 2023. Key drivers included sustained government support through the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA) and the Agricultural Science and Technology Institute (ICTA), which promoted improved hybrid seeds and provided technical assistance to farmers.

Production faced persistent challenges from climate change, such as droughts and flooding, and rising input costs for fertilizers and fuel. However, public investments in seed programs and the establishment of a Strategic Reserve of Basic Grains in 2021 helped stabilize supply. The regulatory landscape shifted when the so-called Monsanto Law, enacted in 2018, was declared unconstitutional in 2022, altering the rules for genetically modified seeds. These factors combined to shape a market that remained dependent on imports to meet demand, particularly for yellow maize used in agribusiness and animal feed.

Production maize in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

In 2019, Guatemala's maize production reached its lowest point at 1 854 K t, marking a 6.2% decline from the previous year. Production then rebounded in 2020 to 1 972 K t, representing a 6.4% increase compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 977 K t.

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

Exports maize from Guatemala

Exports in kind, K t

Guatemala's maize export volume has declined for two consecutive years. In 2018, exports peaked at 3 K t, showing a 12.5% increase from the previous year. However, in 2019, exports fell sharply by 51.5% to 1 K t, and this downward trend continued in 2020 with a further 26.8% decrease. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 60%, averaging an annual decline of 26.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador dominated Guatemala's maize exports in kind, accounting for 89.3% of total flows. Other markets played a relatively minor role 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, M $ US

Guatemala's maize exports in value terms have increased for two consecutive years. In 2018, exports hit a low of 1.1 M $ US, declining by 13.2% from the previous year. The following year, 2019, saw a rebound with a 10.9% increase. In 2020, exports reached 1.2 M $ US, showing a modest 2.2% rise compared to 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the primary destinations for Guatemala's maize exports in value terms were El Salvador (49.9%), Honduras (20.5%), and Costa Rica (13.3%). Together, these three countries accounted for 83.7% of total export 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 maize to Guatemala

Imports in kind, K t

Guatemala's maize import volume has risen for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports totaled 1 468 K t, reflecting a notable 10.9% year-over-year increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 39.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the leading supplier of maize to Guatemala in kind, capturing 87.2% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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

Guatemala's maize imports in value terms have increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, imports amounted to 307.4 M $ US, which is 9.5% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 43.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States was the main supplier of maize to Guatemala in value terms, holding 84.7% of total imports. Other partners contributed relatively smaller shares.

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

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