May 04, 2025 | Northwest Arkansas Newspapers |
Guatemala is preparing to enter the U.S. avocado market after gaining import approval in late 2023, but has yet to send its first shipment. President Bernardo Arévalo sees avocado production as a tool for rural development, with over 17,000 acres currently planted and projections of nearly 75,000 acres in 10 years. A new packing facility by U.S.-based Mission Produce is set to open in August, creating hundreds of jobs. However, two major obstacles remain: final U.S. protocol approval and a new 10% import tariff that could hurt Guatemala’s competitiveness against duty-free Mexican avocados. Guatemala hopes to capitalize on Mexico’s challenges, including security threats to U.S. inspectors and cartel extortion. Still, experts warn of risks like deforestation and water overuse if avocado farming expands unchecked. The agriculture ministry says large farms are using drip irrigation and emphasizes sustainable practices. Though Guatemala’s export potential is promising—initial estimates suggest 1,700 tons to the U.S., growing to 15,000 tons by 2030—economic uncertainty and logistical delays are prompting caution among producers. The country must now navigate regulatory, environmental, and trade hurdles to seize its opportunity in the lucrative U.S. avocado market.
