Palm nuts and kernels market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The Guatemalan palm nuts and kernels market experienced strong growth from 2018 to 2022, with volume rising from 2.6 million tons to 4.8 million tons. This expansion was primarily driven by a significant increase in international crude palm oil prices, which rose 24% from 2021 to 2022, making production more profitable. Concurrently, the sector's processing capacity expanded, reaching an installed 1,046 tons of fruit per hour, which enabled the handling of larger harvests from both established plantations and newer areas under development.

After peaking in 2022, the market volume contracted by 15% in 2023 to 4.1 million tons. This decline directly corresponded to a reported 15% drop in national crude palm oil production for that year. Throughout this period, the market structure was shaped by major producers like NaturAceites and Reforestadora de Palmas del Petén, and a strong focus on sustainability, with 60% of Guatemala's palm oil volume certified under international schemes like RSPO by 2022.

Production palm nuts and kernels in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala ranked as the world's sixth-largest producer of palm nuts and kernels.

Top producers of palm nuts and kernels, 2017-2020

World map of production of palm nuts and kernels, 2017-2020

Guatemala's production of palm nuts and kernels grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 3 411 thousand tons, marking a significant 23.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 25.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 659 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year being 2.3%.

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

Exports palm nuts and kernels from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, representing a massive 7 948-fold increase. In 2020, Guatemala exported 23 133 tons of palm nuts and kernels, a sharp 73.5% rise from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 23.4%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, soaring by 597 755.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Guatemala's exports in kind were almost entirely directed to Honduras, which accounted for 100.0% of the total export volume.

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

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations over this period. Export values hit their lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 5.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Guatemala's palm nuts and kernels exports were valued at 1 461 thousand US dollars, up 62.9% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 018 thousand US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2019 at 55.5%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, jumping by 463.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Guatemala's palm nuts and kernels exports in value terms, holding a 100.0% share.

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

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

Imports palm nuts and kernels to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced volatility during these years. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest in 2019, showing a 4.4-fold swing. In 2020, Guatemala imported 2 tons of palm nuts and kernels, a 97.2% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 ton. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 72.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main sources for Guatemala's imports in kind were Colombia (40.6% of imports), Costa Rica (34.9%), and Mexico (18.5%), together making up 94.1% of total import 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

The market showed volatility during these years. Import values reached their highest point in 2017 and dropped to their lowest in 2019, with a 2.9-fold difference. In 2020, Guatemala imported palm nuts and kernels worth 248 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 93.7% year-over-year increase. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 248 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2018, falling by 50.3%.

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

Over 2017–2020, Colombia and Costa Rica were the primary sources for Guatemala's imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 94.8% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed among other markets.

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

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