Guatemala sees export growth amid regional trade shifts and fuel price surge

Central American exports rose in 2026, led by Guatemala's textile and apparel sector, which helped the country achieve an estimated 7 % export increase after a 2.6 % decline in 2024. Panama posted a 44.9 % rebound, while Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras and El Salvador recorded double‑digit gains, driven in part by demand from Japan, South Korea, the United States and the European Union. Despite the overall upturn, sectors such as legumes, beverages, plastics and cosmetics continued to fall sharply due to lingering tariff pressures and local challenges.

At the same time, Guatemala’s fuel import bill jumped almost 30 % through May, costing consumers an extra $601 million. The surge reflects a nearly 60 % rise in international crude prices and a 7 % increase in import volumes, according to the Central Bank. A temporary diesel and gasoline subsidy was introduced in April but expired in early May, after which pump prices resumed their upward trend.