The President of the Republic, Bernardo Arévalo, reported on Monday, May 26, during a press conference at the National Palace, who sent a letter to the United States authorities with the intention of reducing or eliminating the possible tax on family remittances.
He said they received “with deep concern” The announcement of a possible measure that It would impose a 3.5% tax on remittances sent to Guatemala From the United States.
He said they understand the “enormous sacrifice” of those who live away from their land to contribute to the economy of their families and the effort behind each transfer from that country.
He stressed that remittances are not only a figure, but the fruit of the work of millions of Guatemalans that contribute to the economy of their communities, which affects the development and future of the country.
He said they work to make efforts to the US authorities that allow reducing or eliminating the possible impact of these measures. According to Arévalo, migrants are not alone.
He recalled that last week they sent a letter addressed to the United States House of Representatives.
He indicated that, in the letter, they stated that the creation of the tax would aggravate the social ramifications that the Government of Guatemala tries to combat, among these poverty, the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking and irregular migration.
According to Arévalo, the Government understands the efforts of the current administration of the United States Government and the Congress of that country to promote the development of its economy, promote local employment and increase tax collection.
However, he remarked to tax remittances would have a negative effect on homes, companies and communities that expel migrants.
He added: “This measure is counterproductive to the joint efforts that the Government of Guatemala and the United States government perform to regulate migration, guarantee a sustainable return and combat the networks of trafficking in persons and organized crime in our country.”
On May 13, the Republicans of the US House of Representatives. They submitted a fiscal plan with a list of priorities to obtain new income, which includes a special tax to send remittances to people abroad.
The President @Barevalodeleon He informed that he sent a letter to the authorities of the United States that seeks to reduce or eliminate the possible tax on family remittances. “It would be counterproductive,” said the president. @Guatevision_tv @prensa_libre pic.twitter.com/6gqgymt83v
– Leslie Sánchez (@lsánchez_GTV) May 26, 2025
Guatemala’s delegation will travel to the US.
Arévalo indicated that the letter sent and the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs add to the series of efforts to protect Guatemala’s economy.
He pointed out that, in that sense, a delegation from Guatemala will travel to the United States, headed by Foreign Minister Carlos Martínez and the Minister of Economy, Gabriela García, with the purpose of strengthening commercial relations and reducing the impact of tariff measures.
He announced that on Tuesday, May 27, both officials will hold an important meeting with the Office of the US Commercial Representative, as well as another series of meetings, accompanied by representatives of the private sector of Guatemala, who will meet with senators, congressmen, officials and businessmen of that country.