Guatemala advances avocado export certifications for U.S. market

Guatemala is progressing through the phytosanitary accreditation process required to export avocados to the United States. Although a working plan was signed a year ago, the process with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains unresolved. Francis W. Bruderer, president of Anaguacate, noted that while producers have worked to meet strict U.S. protocols, these technical improvements have primarily benefited exports to Europe, as the agency PIPA does not differentiate fruit by destination market.

Climate factors, including El Niño and droughts, have impacted production, resulting in smaller fruit sizes despite maintaining high quality. For the 2026 season, which runs through March, Anaguacate forecasts exporting between 350 and 500 containers to Europe, a decrease from the 500 to 750 containers seen during peak years. While European demand is strong, prices have not reached record levels, partly due to early market entry by Peru.

Guatemala is also seeking to expand into new markets. The country has expressed readiness to meet Chile’s phytosanitary requirements and is awaiting government approval. Accessing the South Korean market remains more complex due to the lack of a ratified Central American free trade agreement, necessitating unilateral negotiations.