Duty
Guatemala exports already face millionaire losses for the 10% tariff imposed by the United States to products such as coffee, mango and macadamia.
Guatemalan companies face difficulties for the 10% tariff imposed by Donald Trump. Products such as coffee and fresh fruits already register significant losses in their exports to the United States. (Photo, Free Press: Érick Ávila)
According to a statement issued by The Business Commission for Negotiations and International Trade (Cencit), the impact on the Guatemalan export sector It has been immediate.
In just one week, a rapid survey between exporting companies He revealed that some have already paid more than US $ 2 million dollars In tariffs. This situation has affected key products such as coffee, mango and macadamiaamong others.
The Cencit warned that Guatemala export companies They are already being affected by the 10% tariff imposed by the United Stateswhich entered into force on April 5, 2025. The measure was announced by the US president, Donald Trumpon April 2 and is part of a series of tariff settings aimed at products from several countries.
Of the total number of companies consulted, the 86% indicated that they have had to assume the payment of the new tariffwhich increases operation costs and reduces the competitiveness of Guatemalan products in the US market.
The potential estimated economic impact for the months of April and May is between US $ 40 and US $ 43 million per monthwhich represents a loss of approximately US $ 1.4 million daily For exports to the United States.
In addition to direct economic impact, some companies have reported Order cancellations by American buyers. In other cases, buyers seek Move the cost of the Guatemalan exporters tariffwhich generates additional pressure to the sector. Situations have also been documented in which purchase programs have been redirected to Mexicoin search of avoiding tariff costs.
Faced with this scenario, the cameras that make up Cencit –AGEXPORT, ASAZGUA, Chamber of Agro, Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala, Finance Chamber and the Guatemala Industry Chamber– They reiterated their commitment to work together with the government to Protect country competitiveness and look for solutions that safeguard the employment, investment and export capacity Faced with this new commercial challenge.