Salt, pure NaCl and sea water market in Guatemala

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, Guatemala's salt market volume showed significant fluctuations despite stable domestic production of 60 thousand tonnes each year. The market expanded from 111.3 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 186.7 thousand tonnes in 2021, driven primarily by a surge in imports, before contracting to 141.8 thousand tonnes in 2022 as imports declined and exports rose.

During this period, the broader context for salt demand included the growth of Guatemala's processed food market, fueled by rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and technological advances in the food and beverage industry. These factors supported industrial and food-related salt consumption, even as net trade flows caused the total market volume to vary from year to year.

In the following years through 2024, import volumes remained at elevated levels above 127 thousand tonnes, while export activity continued, indicating sustained commercial engagement in the salt market both for domestic use and international trade.

Production salt, pure NaCl and sea water in Guatemala

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of salt, pure NaCl and sea water, 2017-2020

World map of production of salt, pure NaCl and sea water, 2017-2020

In 2020, Guatemala produced 60 000 tonnes of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. Compared to 2019, production levels showed no significant variation. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 0.0%, while the largest increase also occurred in 2018 at 0.0%.

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

Exports salt, pure NaCl and sea water from Guatemala

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, representing a 2.3-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Guatemala exported 3 640 tonnes of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water, marking an 18.3% decrease from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 486 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 40.5% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 128.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador remained the dominant export destination in kind, accounting for 88.9% of total flows, with the remainder fragmented across other markets.

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

Salt, pure NaCl, and sea water exports from Guatemala declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Guatemala exported 703 thousand US dollars worth of these products, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 871 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 19.1% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 21.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador remained the dominant export destination in value terms, representing 73.8% of total flows, with the remainder distributed across other markets.

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

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

Imports salt, pure NaCl and sea water to Guatemala

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Guatemala's imports of salt, pure NaCl, and sea water totaled 77 338 tonnes, reflecting a 15.2% year-over-year contraction. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 58 744 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 91 167 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 31.6% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 55.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile and Mexico together accounted for 89.1% of total imports in kind, with other countries forming a diversified but less significant portion.

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

In 2020, Guatemala's import value for salt, pure NaCl, and sea water reached 6 889 thousand US dollars, indicating a 13.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 542 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 7 948 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 16.5% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 21.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico and Chile remained the primary sources for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 83.0% of total flows, with other partners comprising the remaining share.

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

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