Guatemala: Maize Market 2025

Maize Market Size in Guatemala

For the fourth consecutive year, the Guatemalan maize market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 19% to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, consumption showed a strong increase. Maize consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Maize Production in Guatemala

In value terms, maize production rose notably to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production showed a notable expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 114%. Maize production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average yield of maize in Guatemala fell modestly to X tons per ha, remaining stable against the previous year's figure. In general, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the yield increased by 2.4%. The maize yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021, and then shrank modestly in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The maize harvested area in Guatemala totaled X ha in 2022, flattening at the previous year. Overall, the harvested area showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 4.6% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to maize production reached the maximum at X ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Maize Exports

Exports from Guatemala

In 2022, overseas shipments of maize increased by 139% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed resilient growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 519%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, maize exports soared to $X in 2022. In general, exports saw a resilient increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), El Salvador (X tons) and Honduras (X tons) were the main destinations of maize exports from Guatemala, with a combined 98% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +84,781.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for maize exports from Guatemala, comprising 69% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by El Salvador ($X), with a 19% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the Netherlands totaled +62,813.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: El Salvador (+0.6% per year) and Honduras (-3.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average maize export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 36% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a noticeable slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 an increase of 141%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Honduras ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to El Salvador ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Honduras (+6.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Maize Imports

Imports into Guatemala

For the ninth year in a row, Guatemala recorded growth in purchases abroad of maize, which increased by 28% to X tons in 2022. Overall, imports continue to indicate buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 42%. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, maize imports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports posted a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 39% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the United States (X tons) constituted the largest maize supplier to Guatemala, with a 70% share of total imports. Moreover, maize imports from the United States exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Brazil (X tons), twofold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from the United States amounted to +14.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Brazil (+17.9% per year) and Mexico (+30.3% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X), Brazil ($X) and Mexico ($X) constituted the largest maize suppliers to Guatemala, together accounting for 100% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Mexico, with a CAGR of +18.4%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average maize import price amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 4.6% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, saw a perceptible contraction. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Mexico ($X per ton), while the price for the United States ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Brazil (-2.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform