AGP Executive Report

Guatemala–Korea Trade Push: Guatemala is prioritizing accession to the Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement, aiming to expand exports and attract more South Korean investment as domestic congressional steps move forward. Climate Resilience in Agriculture: In Guatemala’s Lake Atitlán region, Indigenous women are using older and newer farming methods to fight erosion, deforestation, and shifting rains that are squeezing crop yields and worsening food insecurity. Coffee Sector & Sustainability Reset: Starbucks says it’s “actively reassessing” parts of its sustainability agenda after publishing its latest impact report, including a shift in how it frames climate goals and progress. U.S. Produce Exports (Regional Spillover): USDA data shows U.S. fruits and vegetables exports hit $12.9B in 2025, with Guatemala among key destinations—useful context for regional buyers and exporters. Forced Labor Tariff Strategy: USTR launched broad Section 301 forced-labor investigations covering nearly all major U.S. trading partners, signaling a major compliance-focused shift in how tariffs may be enforced. Public Health Cooperation: TaiwanICDF marked 30 years of foreign aid, highlighting a Guatemala breast cancer screening and referral system project that improved access to diagnosis and treatment. Wildlife & Screwworm Risk: A new report warns illegal cattle movements can spread New World screwworm into wildlife areas that are often outside standard surveillance.

Guatemala-Korea Trade Boost: Guatemala is pushing to join the Korea-Central America FTA, aiming to speed up domestic approvals and expand Korean investment and export diversification. Public Health Cooperation: TaiwanICDF marked its 30th anniversary, highlighting a Guatemala breast cancer screening and referral system project that improved rural access to mammography and treatment. Forced Labor Tariffs Watch: The U.S. USTR rolled out sweeping Section 301 forced-labor investigations covering nearly all major import sources, a move that could reshape compliance and sourcing plans for regional exporters. Coffee & Local Business: A Guatemalan-rooted cafe brand, Terra, opened in Avondale after delays and permitting, spotlighting Guatemala coffee supply ties. Energy/Industry Finance: Ormat Technologies scheduled its Q2 2026 results call, a reminder of ongoing geothermal investment signals. Logistics Real Estate: Mobiliare Real Estate Solutions plans a sustainability-linked bond program with a targeted $100M inaugural issuance. Trade Policy Context: Peru’s election signals a broader rightward shift across Latin America, with potential knock-on effects for regional investment climates.

Guatemala-Taiwan Health Cooperation: Guatemala’s Public Health minister highlighted a TaiwanICDF-backed breast cancer control system, including screening and referral links between rural centers and hospitals, as Taiwan marked ICDF’s 30th anniversary. Logistics & Finance: Guatemala-headquartered Mobiliare Real Estate Solutions hired Clifford Chance to launch a sustainability-linked bond program targeting US$100 million. Energy Sector Update: Ormat Technologies set its Q2 2026 results for Aug. 5 and a conference call for Aug. 6, underscoring continued geothermal investment momentum. Tourism & SMEs: Belize hosted “Tourism Business Connect” to link tourism operators with support organizations and boost sustainable growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Agriculture & Labor: C&H Sugar warehouse workers entered a third week of strike over overtime pay, retirement benefits, and contract rules. Aviation Connectivity: BermudAir announced new seasonal routes including nonstop service to Guatemala City, plus expanded links to Belize and the Caribbean. Industry & Trade: The U.S. and Mexico inaugurated a sterile fly plant in Chiapas to support the cross-border screwworm fight, with Guatemala border-area implications for agriculture risk management.

Guatemala Industry & Logistics: Mobiliare, a Guatemala-headquartered industrial and logistics real estate platform, hired Clifford Chance to launch a sustainability-linked bond program and plans a US$100M inaugural issuance. Agriculture & Trade: The U.S. and Mexico inaugurated a sterile fly plant in Chiapas to fight the New World screwworm, producing up to 100M sterile flies weekly; the project cost over $50M and targets cross-border cattle health risks near Guatemala. Manufacturing & Labor: C&H Sugar warehouse workers entered a third week of strike over overtime pay, retirement benefits, and work rules, with union claims of lost overtime and company countering with wage and bonus offers. Industry & Mobility: BermudAir announced new seasonal routes including nonstop service to Guatemala City starting this winter, aiming for faster, more affordable travel. Food & Skills: El Salvador’s Gastro-Lab Surf City trained 50 young graduates with U.S. meat industry partners, boosting culinary capacity for the hospitality sector. Energy/Industry Context: World crude steel output in May 2026 slipped 0.3% year-on-year to 157.9M tonnes, with mixed regional performance.

Guatemala-linked logistics and labor: A Guatemala-born worker, Jesse Leal, was killed in a loading-dock accident at Pilgrim’s Pride in Cold Spring, Minnesota, and coworkers and family are raising funds to repatriate him as OSHA investigates. Agribusiness and cross-border health: Mexico and the U.S. inaugurated a sterile fly plant in Chiapas to fight the New World screwworm, producing up to 100 million sterile flies weekly and aiming to protect cattle trade near the Guatemala border. Finance and sustainability: Guatemala-headquartered Mobiliare Real Estate Solutions hired Clifford Chance to launch a sustainability-linked bond program targeting US$100 million. Food industry training: El Salvador’s Gastro-Lab Surf City program trained young chefs with support from U.S. Meat Export Federation and U.S. Pork Guatemala, boosting hospitality skills that can ripple across the region’s food supply chains. Steel and industrial backdrop: World Steel Association data showed May 2026 crude steel output at 157.9Mt, down 0.3% year-on-year, with North America up while the Middle East fell sharply. Global policy watch: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a birthright citizenship restriction tied to Trump’s executive order, a ruling with implications for immigrant communities that include people from Guatemala.

Human Rights & Justice: In Chimaltenango, relatives and forensic groups laid to rest the remains of 68 victims from Guatemala’s internal armed conflict, 44 years after killings in 1981-82, after years of storage and a long push for individual burials. Aviation & Trade Links: BermudAir announced new seasonal routes this winter, including direct service to Guatemala City, aiming at faster, more affordable connectivity for travelers and business. Agriculture & Livestock Health: Mexico and the U.S. inaugurated a sterile fly plant in Chiapas to fight New World screwworm, producing up to 100 million sterile flies weekly—an effort tied to protecting cattle trade near Guatemala’s border. Industry & Infrastructure: World crude steel output dipped slightly in May 2026, with North America up and the Middle East down, while Guatemala appears in the reporting region list. Energy/Power Access: Two line technicians from North Carolina cooperatives traveled to rural Guatemala to help energize a village as part of an international rural electrification partnership. Security & Migration Policy (US impact): The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear cases touching asylum and immigration status, including a matter involving a Guatemalan asylum recipient. Food & Local Economy: A Guatemala-linked coffee supply chain is still feeling broader tariff-related costs, even where coffee itself is exempt, affecting delivery prices and customer demand.

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir announced new seasonal nonstop routes this winter, including direct service to Guatemala City, plus expanded links to Belize, Turks and Caicos, and Anguilla—aimed at faster, lower-cost travel. Agri & Trade: Grain markets slipped as corn and soybeans fell near contract lows, while USDA export sales showed mixed demand; in parallel, the U.S. and Mexico inaugurated a sterile fly plant in Chiapas to fight New World screwworm, a move with knock-on effects for cattle trade near Guatemala. Manufacturing & Industry: World crude steel output edged down in May 2026 (157.9M tonnes, -0.3% y/y), with North America up while the Middle East fell sharply. Finance & Fraud: A TransUnion update says South Africa saw the highest suspected digital fraud rate among African countries analyzed in 2025, with account login the riskiest stage and scams on legitimate e-commerce a major loss source. Local Economy & Labor: Cotton export sales weakened in the week ended June 18, though shipments rose—signals of shifting buyer behavior that can ripple through regional textile supply chains.

Immigration & Labor Supply: A U.S. H-2B visa slowdown is forcing carnival operator Brass Ring Amusements to cancel events, with fair organizers warning Guatemala-linked seasonal labor shortages could ripple across summer festivals. Public Safety & Community Impact: A 16-year-old was arrested in Brooklyn for the stabbing death of a Guatemalan-born teen, highlighting ongoing violence risks for immigrant families. Agribusiness Biosecurity: Mexico and the U.S. inaugurated a sterile fly plant in Chiapas near the Guatemala border to fight the New World screwworm, aiming to produce up to 100 million sterile flies weekly—though experts say supply may still fall short of full eradication. Trade & Inputs: U.S. cotton export sales weakened in the week ended June 18, while shipments rose; Guatemala appears among new-crop buyers, signaling shifting demand for regional textile supply chains. Energy Access & Rural Development: Two electric co-op technicians traveled to Guatemala to help energize a rural village, underscoring ongoing infrastructure needs beyond major cities. Food & Culture: A Guatemala travel feature spotlights how Indigenous heritage shapes local cuisine—from markets to cooking experiences—keeping food tourism tied to community identity.

Water Access Gap: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for more than 2 billion people, with access near-universal in wealthy regions but below 20% in several low-income countries—highlighting where Guatemala’s water infrastructure and service reliability remain critical. Agribusiness & Trade: U.S. cotton export sales weakened in the week ended June 18, while shipments rose, and Guatemala appears among new-crop buyers—another reminder that Guatemala’s textile and farming supply chains can feel global price swings fast. Livestock Health (Screwworm): Mexico and the U.S. opened a sterile fly plant in Chiapas to fight the New World screwworm, producing up to 100 million sterile flies weekly—aimed at protecting cattle trading across the region, including near Guatemala’s border. Energy & Rural Electrification: North Carolina electric co-op line technicians traveled to Guatemala to help energize a rural village, part of an international initiative to expand reliable power where it’s most needed. Disaster Response (Regional): Venezuela’s twin earthquakes have killed at least 235, with thousands injured and aid groups mobilizing—an ongoing humanitarian logistics test for Latin America.

Screwworm Control: Senior U.S. and Mexican officials inaugurated a sterile fly production plant in Metapa, Chiapas, a $50M cross-border effort aimed at suppressing the New World screwworm outbreak that threatens cattle trade near the Guatemala border. Regional Food Safety & Livestock: Central American and Mexico representatives agreed to strengthen coordination on veterinary medicines, New World screwworm control, and residue monitoring in milk and meat, with Guatemala among the participating countries. Energy Access: Two North Carolina electric co-op line technicians traveled to Guatemala to help energize a rural village, part of an international rural electrification partnership. Trade & Agriculture Costs: A coffee shop in New Hampshire that sources beans from Guatemala says tariff-related supply chain costs are still raising delivery and coffee prices, even when coffee itself is exempt. Cotton Market Watch: USDA data showed mixed cotton signals—U.S. upland sales fell sharply while shipments rose—with Guatemala listed among new-crop buyers. Workplace Safety: A Pilgrim’s Pride worker killed in a meat processing accident was identified as Jesse Leal, a native of Guatemala, prompting community fundraising for his family.

Screwworm Control Boost: U.S. and Mexico inaugurated a $50M sterile fly plant in Metapa, Chiapas, aiming to produce up to 100M sterile flies weekly to curb the New World screwworm outbreak that’s already disrupted cattle trade across borders. Regional Coordination for Livestock & Food Safety: Central American countries, including Guatemala, agreed in Mexico City to strengthen cooperation on New World screwworm control and residue monitoring in milk and meat, linking veterinary medicine oversight with official lab capacity. Trade & Agriculture Link: Peru ordered implementation of its Guatemala free trade agreement (and protocol) starting July 1, a move that could reshape cross-border sourcing and market access for producers. Cotton Market Watch: USDA export sales data showed mixed signals for U.S. cotton—sales weakened while shipments rose—with Guatemala listed among new-crop buyers. Energy Access in Rural Guatemala: North Carolina electric co-op technicians traveled to Guatemala to help energize a rural village, part of an international rural power initiative. Coffee Supply Chain Pressure: A New Hampshire coffee shop sourcing from Guatemala said tariff-related logistics and delivery costs are still hitting prices and customer traffic, even where coffee itself is exempt. Workplace Safety & Community Impact: A Pilgrim’s Pride worker killed in Minnesota was identified as Jesse Leal, a Guatemalan native, with fundraisers seeking to support his family and repatriate his body.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Veteran-led Project DYNAMO says it delivered about 20,000 pounds of food, water, and medicine in the first 48 hours after back-to-back 7.2 and 7.5 quakes, as airports reopen for humanitarian flights. Border & Migration Policy: A WOLA border update highlights Supreme Court rulings that weaken asylum access via “metering” and allow DHS to end Haiti’s TPS, while ICE’s “mega-warehouse” detention plan appears to be rolled back. Trade & Regional Integration: Peru ordered implementation of its Guatemala FTA and protocol starting July 1, a move that could reshape cross-border sourcing for regional manufacturers and exporters. Agriculture & Food Security: WFP showcased behavior-change work to improve diets across Latin America and the Caribbean, aiming to make healthier, locally produced foods more accessible. Livestock Health: Central American and Mexico officials agreed to strengthen coordination on New World screwworm control and residue monitoring, with Guatemala among participating countries. Energy Access (Guatemala): North Carolina electric co-op technicians traveled to Guatemala to help energize a rural village near the Mexican border. Remittances Tech: Ecuador’s Peigo partnered with Félix to let users start remittances via WhatsApp links, targeting migrant families’ real communication habits. Coffee Supply Chain: A New Hampshire café sourcing Guatemalan coffee reports tariff-related delivery and cost pressures despite coffee exemptions. Finance M&A: Western Union and Intermex updated regulators’ approvals for the pending acquisition, with one U.S. state still pending. Guatemala Industry Wire Note: Rural Development: Rotary Foundation evaluation in Rabinal found 650 families now eat daily after an agriculture-focused project boosted local produce and livestock.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: A rare double earthquake (7.2 and 7.5) struck Venezuela’s northern coast and Caracas, killing at least 235 and injuring 4,300-plus as rescuers chase missing people; the IFRC launched a $61M emergency appeal. Trade & Coffee Costs: Even with coffee exempted from U.S. reciprocal tariffs, a Manchester café sourcing from Guatemala says delivery costs and supply-chain friction are still pushing prices up and traffic down. Guatemala Power Access: Two North Carolina electric co-op technicians traveled to Guatemala to help energize a rural village near the Mexican border as part of an international rural electrification partnership. Food Security & Diet Change: WFP highlighted behavior-change work to improve diets across Latin America and the Caribbean, tackling the “poverty-obesity paradox.” Agriculture Exports: USDA reports Upland cotton export sales fell 53% week-on-week, while new-crop sales show Guatemala among leading buyers. Regional Livestock Health: Central America and Mexico agreed to strengthen coordination against New World screwworm and improve residue monitoring and veterinary medicine oversight, with Guatemala among participants. Guatemala Trade Link: Peru ordered implementation of its Guatemala FTA from July 1, signaling a fresh push for cross-border commerce. Guatemala in Global Defense Drills: Guatemala is listed among participating countries in RIMPAC 2026 in Hawaii, underscoring the country’s growing defense engagement. Forced Labor Case: U.S. prosecutors concluded a five-year forced-labor prosecution tied to onion and blueberry picking using H-2A visas that involved workers from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Trade & Logistics: Peru has ordered implementation of its free trade agreement with Guatemala and the related protocol starting July 1, setting the stage for smoother cross-border flows. Regional Agriculture & Food Safety: Central America and Mexico agreed in Mexico City to tighten coordination on New World screwworm control and residue monitoring in milk and meat, with Guatemala among the participating countries. Guatemala Development: Rotary Foundation evaluator Wade Nomura reported that a Rabinal community economic development project helped 650 families move from eating 3–5 times a week to daily food access, boosting local agriculture like avocado production. Energy/Infrastructure: The Panama Canal’s new chief is preparing an $8.5B-plus improvement push, including potential LNG pipeline work and new container terminals, aimed at strengthening a Trans-Isthmus logistics corridor. Food System Risk: A UN FAO assessment says global food markets look stable, but rising risks—from El Niño to energy and fertilizer volatility—could quickly disrupt supply and access. Disaster Watch: Venezuela’s earthquake death toll rose to 235 as teams treated 4,300+ injured, underscoring how vulnerable the region remains to major tremors.

Trade & Logistics: Peru ordered implementation of its free trade agreement with Guatemala (and the related protocol) starting July 1, with the foreign trade ministry set to notify authorities for rollout. Agriculture & Food Safety: Central America and Mexico agreed to tighten regional coordination on New World screwworm control and veterinary medicine residue monitoring, with Guatemala among seven countries at a Mexico City meeting. Regional Diplomacy & Exports: Taiwan’s Central America allies promoted agricultural and specialty food products at Food Taipei Mega Shows, with Guatemala highlighting specialty coffee, white shrimp, macadamia nuts, and tropical sauces. Shipping & Infrastructure: The Panama Canal’s new administrator-to-be outlined upcoming capital plans, including a Trans-Isthmus logistics corridor push, new container terminals, and an LPG pipeline along the canal route. Security & Industry Risk: U.S. officials say rodents and small wildlife may be linked to New World screwworm spread in Texas, while the first source of the outbreak remains under investigation—an issue with direct implications for livestock and cross-border supply chains. Labor & Compliance: U.S. forced-labor prosecutions tied to H-2A agricultural work (including workers from Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras) concluded with admissions tied to a scheme reportedly generating over $200 million.

Guatemala Trade & Food Exports: Taiwan’s allies in Central America and South America promoted their agricultural products at Food Taipei Mega Shows, with Guatemala highlighting specialty coffee, white shrimp, macadamia nuts and tropical sauces—an export push supported by the Central America Trade Office. Logistics & Infrastructure: The new Panama Canal chief is preparing an $8.5B-plus improvement plan, including a liquefied petroleum gas pipeline and new container terminals, aiming to strengthen the region’s Trans-Isthmus logistics corridor. Agriculture & Biosecurity: New World screwworm has returned to the U.S.; Texas officials now point to possible spread via small wildlife and rodents, while the first case source remains under investigation—an alert for livestock producers across the region. Finance & Remittances: Western Union and Intermex updated regulators’ progress on Western Union’s pending acquisition of Intermex, with approvals secured in 51 U.S. states/territories and final sign-off pending from one state. Industry & Procurement: CCC signed an MoU with Guatemala’s Ministry of National Defence to speed government-to-government procurement of Canadian defence and security solutions, covering mobility, surveillance, training, cyber and logistics. Local Business & Industry Tech: Big Technologies says it secured a three-year renewal in Guatemala for its alcohol monitoring products, expanding its Latin America footprint.