Guatemala construction imports rise amid infrastructure boom

Guatemala is experiencing a significant surge in construction material imports, driven by a boom in real estate, commercial centers, and industrial storage projects. According to a Central Bank report, construction materials accounted for 54.4 percent of the growth in goods imports through June.

Non-metallic minerals represent 87 percent of these imports, with cement, lime, and gypsum comprising 81.5 percent of that category. The construction sector saw a 5.8 percent increase in the second quarter, supported by major civil engineering works such as the Escuintla-Puerto Quetzal highway and projects like the Corredor Verde and AeroMetro.

Tommy Dougherty, president of Grupo Progreso, noted that Guatemala is currently experiencing sustained growth. He emphasized that infrastructure is a primary driver of national economic movement and highlighted the importance of legal certainty and government plan continuity for regional business expansion.