Roundwood coniferous market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

The market for coniferous roundwood in Guatemala expanded from 13 134 thousand m³ in 2018 to 15 797 thousand m³ in 2022, driven initially by the forestry sector's focus on coniferous species like Pinus maximinoii and Pinus oocarpa. These species offer favorable wood properties and short harvesting cycles, enabling efficient use of installed capacity and economies of scale. Existing coniferous plantations covering approximately 170 000 hectares in regions such as Las Verapaces and Izabal provided a steady supply of industrial timber.

Growth continued through 2020 and 2021, supported by the implementation of wood packaging registration and control through authorized establishments and technical regents, which standardized quality for both domestic and export markets. By 2022, domestic origin accounted for over 71% of coniferous species in the market. Volume stabilized at 15 822 thousand m³ in 2023. In 2024, wood product and furniture exports reached $218 million, while the industry embraced innovation and artificial intelligence to enhance competitiveness, factors that may influence future demand for roundwood.

Production coniferous roundwood in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, K m³

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala consistently ranked 20th globally in the production of coniferous roundwood.

Top producers of coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

World map of production of coniferous roundwood, 2017-2020

Guatemala's coniferous roundwood production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 14 091 thousand cubic meters, marking a modest 5.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 8.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020, K m³

Exports coniferous roundwood from Guatemala

Exports in kind, m³

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a staggering 1 093-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Guatemala exported 5 783 cubic meters of coniferous roundwood, representing a sharp decline of 75.3% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 23 436 cubic meters, while the largest percentage increase occurred in 2018, surging by 78 724.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020, m³

Between 2017 and 2020, Honduras was virtually the sole buyer of coniferous roundwood from Guatemala, accounting for 100.0% of total exports in volume terms.

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 experienced notable volatility during this time. Export values hit their lowest in 2017 and climbed to a maximum in 2019, with a 438-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Guatemala's coniferous roundwood exports were valued at 587 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 74.7% drop compared to 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 2 321 thousand US dollars, and the largest percentage rise occurred in 2018, jumping by 29 769.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala's coniferous roundwood exports in value terms were highly concentrated, with Honduras making up 100.0% of the total.

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

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

Imports coniferous roundwood to Guatemala

Imports in kind, m³

Guatemala's coniferous roundwood imports fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 137 cubic meters, a 79.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 94.4%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 61.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Guatemala in kind, 2017-2020, m³

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the main source of coniferous roundwood imports to Guatemala, representing 71.6% of total imports in volume. Other countries contributed smaller shares.

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

Guatemala's coniferous roundwood import values declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 54 thousand US dollars, a 37.0% reduction from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, import values fell by 88.7%, averaging an annual decrease of 51.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the import structure in value terms was dominated by the United States and Honduras, which together accounted for 89.1% of total flows. Other markets made up the remainder.

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

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