Milk and cream market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

Following LACTHOSA's acquisition of INLACSA in 2018, which strengthened a major regional player's position, the milk and cream market volume in Guatemala remained stable before growing to 639.6 thousand tons in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the dairy supply chain and raised input costs that year, but market volume increased, likely supported by steady demand for staple foods.

Market volume expanded significantly to 669.6 thousand tons in 2021, then contracted to 634.6 thousand tons in 2022. By 2023, it recovered to 652.7 thousand tons. During this period, Initiative 5504 was introduced, proposing front-of-package warning labels for foods including dairy products, which could influence future consumer behavior.

In August 2024, the new Central American Technical Regulation RTCA 67.01.31:20 came into force, modernizing and strengthening safety requirements for processed foods, including dairy. Additionally, the labeling initiative was revived and advanced in legislative readings, indicating ongoing regulatory developments for the sector.

Production milk and cream in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk and cream, 2017-2020

In 2020, Guatemala produced 601.5 thousand tons of milk and cream, marking a slight year-over-year increase of 2.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 1.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 2.4%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a dramatic swing of 4,177 times between these years. In 2020, Guatemala exported 393 tons of milk and cream, representing a sharp increase of 4,752.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.1 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 73.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 8,508.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, milk and cream exports from Guatemala were almost exclusively directed to El Salvador, which accounted for 97.9% of total exports in kind.

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

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports in value terms reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1,276 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of milk and cream from Guatemala totaled 290 thousand US dollars, which is 1,964.5% higher than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.2 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 19.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 6,081.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador effectively monopolized the value of milk and cream exports from Guatemala, taking 95.2% 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 milk and cream to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, foreign milk and cream supplies to Guatemala declined. In 2020, imports registered 38,451 tons, which is 4.0% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 19.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 40,050 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 15.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Costa Rica (49.4% of imports in kind), Honduras (28.0% of imports in kind), and Mexico (12.0% of imports in kind) were the main sources for milk and cream imports to Guatemala, jointly accounting for 89.5% of total 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 increase, milk and cream shipments to Guatemala from abroad declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 29,379 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a year-over-year fall of 2.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 13.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 30,145 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 8.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Costa Rica (58.0% of imports in value terms), Honduras (20.3% of imports in value terms), and Mexico (9.3% of imports in value terms) remained the key partners for milk and cream imports to Guatemala, together accounting for 87.6% 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