Pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Guatemala rose from 2 473 t in 2018 to 3 202 t in 2021, with a sharp increase in imports that year driving much of the expansion. Domestic production saw modest fluctuations during this period, while overall consumption grew steadily.

Market growth continued into 2022 and 2023, reaching 3 675 t. This expansion was supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food's (MAGA) epidemiological surveillance programs, which helped protect domestic pork production from diseases like African Swine Fever and secured the supply of pig fat. Simultaneously, the Central American Technical Regulation RTCA 67.01.07:10 mandated the specific declaration of pig fat on product labels, altering how these items were presented to consumers.

From 2022, the proposed Front-of-Pack Labeling Law (Initiative 5504), which would require warning seals on foods high in total fats, began influencing industry practices and marketing strategies for products containing pig fat.

Production pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

World map of production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, 2017-2020

In Guatemala, production of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat reached 2,168 tonnes in 2020, showing a slight increase of 0.7% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 3.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2,152 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 2,304 tonnes. The most significant decrease occurred in 2019 with a 6.6% drop, whereas the largest increase was seen in 2018 with a 2.6% rise.

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

Exports pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at just 0.1 tonnes, which was actually 369.1% higher than the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018, creating a 7.2-fold difference between the peak and trough years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat were entirely concentrated in a single market. Nicaragua accounted for 100.0% of all export flows 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 displayed irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest came in 2018, representing a 17-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Guatemala's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat reached $2,000 US, marking a substantial increase of 1,623.7% compared to the previous year.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Nicaragua was overwhelmingly the main destination for Guatemala's exports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat in value terms, accounting for 100.0% 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 pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 170.7 tonnes, while the highest came in 2020 at 553.9 tonnes - representing a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports showed a modest improvement of 3.8% compared to 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018 with a 10.7% decrease, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 with a 212.7% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Guatemala's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat, accounting for 99.4% of total import volumes.

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 exhibited considerable volatility during these years. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019 at $1,387,000 US - showing a 2.4-fold amplitude between these extremes. In 2020, Guatemala's imports of pig fat free of lean meat and poultry fat totaled $1,151,000 US, representing a 17.0% decrease from the previous year. The most significant increase was recorded in 2019 with a 122.4% rise.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Guatemala's import partner base was extremely concentrated, with the United States alone responsible for 98.9% 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