What could be described as an “avalanche” of family remittances associated with the Trump effect is being recorded in the exchange balance in Guatemala.

The transfers flow went from US $ 70 million to US $ 85 million per day, according to the authorities of the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat), who have observed this “abnormal” flow, and equivalent to an increase of 21.4% in the sample.

That means that every hour, around US $ 3.5 million is being computed during the day, to reach on average US $ 85 million.

To February 13 US $ 2,594 million, which is equivalent to a growth of 19.8%, that is, double digit and the perspective in February is that the flow is maintained “dynamic”, as revealed by the monetary authorities.

What explains it?

During a press conference, Álvaro González Ricci and José Alfredo Blanco Valdés, president and vice president of the Banguat, reported that more accelerated growth is being observed so far this year, and that the average income of US $ 70 million daily increased to US $ 85 million.

The growth scenarios are maintained at 6% for this year as a central value that will mean an income of about US $ 22,800 million, but there are risks that suggest an increase.

It was explained that, in other years, Guatemalan nationals due to caution in fear of being deported send remittances beyond what they dispatch on average.

In any case, if this shipping behavior is maintained during the year, the indicator could be reviewed the initial projection and identify the elements that ensure whether this trend is maintained in the future or not.

Last January, the Central Bank reported an “unusual” remittance income for 24% compared to the same period last year for US $ 1,817.6 million.

During the 2024 closure, Guatemala registered an increase in shipments for family remittances for an amount of US $ 21,510 million equivalent to Q165 thousand 627 million.