Browse Data and Analysis

U.S. agricultural exporters of consumer-oriented products are well-positioned to increase sales to Guatemala. In 2023, U.S. consumer-oriented export values reached a third-consecutive record on 15 percent growth from the previous year (Figure 3).

The Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Food (MAGA) regulates Guatemala's genetically engineered (GE) plants and animals.

Romania, a member of the European Union (EU), observes the EU standards and regulations regarding biotechnology. Most farmers view biotechnology as an instrument in managing the agronomic risks and sustaining their competitiveness.

This report contains the list of all the mandatory export certificates required by the Government of Guatemala for agricultural imports.

Guatemala adopted the Central American Regional Technical Regulation RTCA 67.01.31:20, which updates the food product registration process. The regulation entered into effect on August 5, 2024, superseding previous regulation RTCA 67.031:07.

In 2023, the Guatemalan market showed significant potential for growth, with supermarkets, hypermarkets, and independent food stores expanding their locations.

Central Asia is a diverse, important corner of the world and a growing market for U.S. goods. Agricultural imports from the world for Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan totaled $11.6 billion in 2023 and have nearly doubled over the last three years, with the United States as the 11th largest trade partner at $196 million.

Romania continues to be a growing market for U.S. food and agriculture exports. Romania’s total resident population is 19.05 million people, which is a marginal increase from previous years, with about 48 percent living in rural areas (2023 data).

Guatemala ranked as the #16 largest U.S. agricultural export market despite a nine percent decline, mainly due to lower imports of bulk commodities in 2023, reaching $1.6 million. It's crucial to remember that Guatemala, relying on foreign exchange by international trade, remittances, and tourism, is the largest economy in Central America, with an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) of $102.8 billion, a 19-million-person market, and relative economic stability.

In 2023, according to Romania’s National Institute of Statistics (NIS), Romania imported $211 million of U.S. food and agricultural products, up nearly 11 percent compared to 2022. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's bulk, intermediate, and consumer oriented (BICO), U.S. suppliers shipped $79 million worth of food and agricultural products to Romania in 2023.

Guatemala coffee area was updated by the National Coffee Association (ANACAFE), accurately reporting now 376,000 hectares (Ha) from previous 305,000 Ha. The updated area and number of trees do not affect previous data or production estimates. Guatemala maintains position 9 as the largest coffee exporter and 4th largest Arabica coffee exporter worldwide.

In marketing year (MY)2024/25, Guatemala is forecast to produce 2.4 million metric tons (MT) of sugar from a harvested area of 242,000 hectares (Ha). Though harvested area is increasing as positive sugar prices in the international market motivate producers to keep up renovation with improved local genetics, overall production is forecast to drop four percent for the estimated harvest of MY2023/24 (2.5 million MT), due to a late start to the rainy season and an extended El Niño year.