Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The Guatemalan market for raw bovine and equine hides and skins entered a phase of consistent expansion between 2018 and 2020, with domestic volume rising from 21,171 tons to 25,607 tons. This growth trajectory was initiated by the 2018 launch of the National Strategy for Sustainable Low-Emission Bovine Livestock, a government program designed to enhance environmental compliance and bolster the cattle sector's long-term output through improved monitoring and support.

Market volume stabilized at 26,034 tons in 2021 before declining to 23,847 tons in 2022. During this period, state actions such as the Ministry of Agriculture's (MAGA) purchases of balanced cattle feed provided direct production support, while the implementation of official traceability programs in the pork industry helped reinforce broader consumer and trade confidence in livestock products.

A remarkable surge followed in 2023, with the market volume skyrocketing to 40,293 tons. This increase was concurrent with MAGA's active promotion of livestock diversification, including projects for goat milk and meat production, which aimed to widen the animal protein supply and stimulated overall livestock sector activity. In 2024, ongoing policy frameworks like the National Bovine Livestock Policy maintained a focus on irrigation promotion and sustainable sector regulation.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

Guatemala's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 29 172 tons, which is 2.0% higher than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 27 735 tons, marking a decline of 2.1% from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production rising by 3.1%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

Guatemala's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 4 099 tons, representing a sharp drop of 41.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 56.1%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 24.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Guatemala's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins were primarily directed towards Mexico and El Salvador. Together, these two countries accounted for 99.7% 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

The value of Guatemala's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins has decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 884 thousand US dollars, showing a steep decline of 66.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value dropped by 79.7%, with an average annual decline rate of 41.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export value of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Guatemala was dominated by Mexico and El Salvador. These two markets together made up 99.7% of the total export value.

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

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

Imports raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

Guatemala's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled {value_last_year} tons, reflecting a sudden decrease of 50.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes declined by 69.9%, with an average annual decline rate of 33.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Guatemala's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins were Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua. Honduras accounted for 54.4% of imports, Costa Rica for 24.7%, and Nicaragua for 13.6%. Together, these three countries represented 92.7% of the total import volume.

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 value of Guatemala's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at {value_last_year} thousand US dollars, down by 61.2% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 92.7%, with an average annual decline rate of 58.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the import value of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Guatemala was largely concentrated in Honduras and Costa Rica. These two countries together accounted for 80.2% of the total import value, while other destinations played a smaller role.

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

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