AGP Executive Report

El Niño Watch for Guatemala’s “Dry Corridor”: The U.S. says El Niño has arrived and could intensify into late 2026, raising drought and food-security fears across Central America; Guatemala says it has 1.1 million food rations ready for a possible emergency. Agribusiness & Exports: US cotton export sales and shipments picked up in the week ending June 4, with Vietnam, Pakistan and India leading demand—good news for regional farm trade flows. Water & Engineering in Guatemala: Marquette’s Engineers Without Borders won a $25,000 national award for a Guatemala water distribution project, designed to bring clean household water to 350+ homes in Cruz Chich and Chumisa. Regional Data Cooperation: Belize took over CENTROESTAD’s pro tempore presidency at a SICA meeting in the Dominican Republic, with Guatemala among participants pushing modernization and AI use in official statistics, including food balance tools. Health & Biosecurity: New World screwworm has reached the US, and experts warn the spread risk is high—an issue that matters for livestock and cross-border controls. Maya Knowledge Spotlight: A new study on a La Blanca figurine in Guatemala is prompting fresh debate on early numeration and how identity may have been represented before writing.

El Niño & Food Security: The US says El Niño has arrived, with a 63% chance of a very strong event by Nov–Jan; Central America’s “Dry Corridor” (including parts of Guatemala) is on alert, and Guatemala says it has 1.1 million food rations ready for a possible food-security emergency. Livestock Biosecurity: New World screwworm has reached the US, with cases confirmed in Texas and New Mexico, raising alarm for animal health surveillance and the risk of wider spread—linked by experts to cross-border cattle movement. Energy Costs: A new global ranking highlights how electricity can cost vastly more in some markets (Bermuda highest) than others, pointing to policy, fuel access, taxes, and infrastructure as key drivers—relevant for regional industry planning. Guatemala Health & Culture: A Guatemala-focused piece spotlights ancestral Maya medicine and community healers, emphasizing Indigenous health knowledge and medicinal plant stewardship. Packaging & Processing Trade: EXPO PACK México 2026 drew 18,400 attendees and 6,100 exhibitors, underscoring continued demand for manufacturing and packaging solutions across Latin America.

Livestock & Biosecurity: The U.S. confirmed new New World screwworm cases in Texas and a dog in New Mexico, reviving fears for cattle and border-linked supply chains after the pest’s decades-long absence—prompting quarantines and renewed scrutiny of cattle movement from Mexico and Central America. Indigenous Health & Agriculture: A new Guatemala-focused piece highlights Maya medicine in the western region, describing healers, midwives, and Guardians of Time who maintain medicinal plant knowledge and treat community health through spiritual-physical balance. Healthcare Marketing: PatientX Agency won a Silver Aster Award for a pediatric hospital coloring book initiative that donated books to children in hospitals across the U.S. and Guatemala (plus Colombia and Ukraine). Community Finance & Women’s Enterprise: Friendship Bridge featured in a Guatemala visit tied to student training on scam prevention, business coaching, and microfinancing for tens of thousands of Guatemalan women. Agri-Food Trade: UK wholesale banana prices stayed steady, with Guatemalan bananas holding at about £0.95/kg. Sustainability Funding: The Zayed Sustainability Prize expanded to fund 22 finalists, including projects with Guatemala-linked themes like solar-powered schools and water access.

Agroecology & Farmers: Guatemalan smallholders in the Western Highlands are reviving ancient Maya know-how to make cheaper, safer biopesticides from local plants, cutting reliance on expensive synthetic agrochemicals and aiming to protect crops while reducing ecological harm. Livestock & Trade Risk: The U.S. confirmed new New World screwworm cases in Texas and a dog case in New Mexico, raising alarms for cattle and wildlife and keeping pressure on cross-border livestock flows that already affect Guatemala-linked supply chains. Packaging Industry: EXPO PACK México 2026 returned to Mexico City with record participation, bringing thousands of packaging and processing professionals and hundreds of exhibitors—useful signals for regional manufacturing and food processing supply upgrades. Microfinance & Women’s Enterprise: Friendship Bridge expanded business coaching and microfinancing support for thousands of Guatemalan women, including training focused on avoiding scams targeting small businesses. Climate Health: A new study warns “cooling poverty” is exposing over 2 billion people to dangerous heat, highlighting a growing public health and housing challenge that will increasingly affect vulnerable communities across the region.

Livestock & Trade Shock: The U.S. confirmed new New World screwworm cases in Texas and a dog case in New Mexico, triggering quarantines and renewed pressure on cattle supply chains after the pest’s return from Mexico—an issue that could keep feeder and live cattle markets elevated as borders tighten. Tariffs & Compliance: USTR moved toward broad Section 301 forced-labor tariffs, proposing 10% to 12.5% duties on imports from 60 economies, with comments due in early July and a public hearing set for July 7—raising new compliance costs for importers. Agroecology in Guatemala: Guatemalan farmers in the Western Highlands are reviving Maya-rooted biopesticides to cut reliance on expensive agrochemicals, aiming for safer, cheaper crop protection. Packaging Industry: Expo PACK México 2026 returned to Mexico City with record participation, spotlighting food, pharma, and industrial packaging and processing solutions across Latin America. Water & Community Development: A Guatemala-focused nonprofit effort described how coaching and microfinancing help women entrepreneurs avoid scams and grow small businesses.

Packaging & Processing Trade: EXPO PACK México 2026 returned to Mexico City with 18,400 attendees and 6,100 exhibitor staff (24,500 total), bringing 740 exhibitors and 200+ PMMI member companies to four days of food, pharma, personal care, household and industrial manufacturing solutions. Agroecology in Guatemala: Guatemalan farmers in the Western Highlands and beyond are reviving Maya-rooted practices to make cheaper biopesticides from local plants, cutting reliance on expensive synthetic agrochemicals. Livestock Biosecurity: The New World screwworm has reappeared in the U.S., with USDA confirming additional Texas cases and a dog case in New Mexico, triggering quarantines and raising alarms for cattle and wildlife. Water & Community Health: A Guatemala-linked charity push highlights borehole wells and medical clinics, with fundraising tied to a July 11 yard sale in Collingwood. Energy & Industry: Ormat Technologies announced the Ormega100 geothermal surface unit to scale enhanced geothermal power faster, aiming at rising electricity demand. Trade Policy Watch: USTR proposed broad Section 301 forced-labor tariffs (10%–12.5%) across 60 economies, while the U.S. also adjusted Section 232 metal tariff rates affecting agricultural equipment and HVAC.

Agroecology in Action: Guatemalan farmers in the Western Highlands are cutting back on expensive synthetic agrochemicals by reviving ancient Maya know-how to make cheaper, plant-based biopesticides—safer for people and less damaging to soils—supported by World Neighbors across dozens of communities. Trade Policy Watch: The U.S. is moving toward broad new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor claims, proposing 10% to 12.5% duties on imports from 60 economies and inviting public comments, while separate Section 232 metals rules are being adjusted for certain agricultural equipment, HVAC components, and mobile industrial machinery. Energy & Industry: Ormat Technologies announced the Ormega100 to scale enhanced geothermal power, aiming to commercialize EGS faster as electricity demand rises. Regional Business Expansion: Lasco Group says it will significantly expand exports—currently a small share of production—by developing higher value-added products and targeting growth across the Caribbean, the U.S., Canada, and parts of Central America including Guatemala. Water & Environment: A push for legal rights for the San Román River highlights how industrial palm oil expansion has contaminated water for Q’eqchi’ Maya communities in Petén, threatening drinking water, fishing, farming, and livelihoods.

Forced-Labor Tariff Push: USTR proposed broad Section 301 duties of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies after finding gaps in forced-labor import bans, with comments due in early July and a July 7 hearing; Guatemala is listed among the 10% group, and key exclusions include some textiles under CAFTA-DR and goods already covered by Section 232. Metals Tariff Update: The U.S. adjusted Section 232 rates for aluminum, steel, and copper derivatives—cutting some agricultural equipment and certain HVAC items to 15% and creating new tiered treatment for mobile industrial machinery—while adding coverage for aluminum lithographic plates and steel racks, effective June 8 through 2027. Agri/Trade Exposure for Guatemala: The forced-labor tariff proposal explicitly names Guatemala, raising near-term compliance and sourcing questions for exporters and importers tied to U.S. supply chains. Palm Oil & Water Risks in Petén: A report highlights how industrial palm expansion has polluted Guatemala’s San Román River, harming drinking water and livelihoods for Q’eqchi’ communities. Energy/Geothermal Investment: Ormat announced the Ormega100 unit to scale enhanced geothermal power, signaling continued momentum for baseload clean energy projects. Logistics/Air Connectivity: BermudAir said it will expand winter routes, adding Guatemala City among Caribbean and Central America links. Industry Events: EXPO PACK México 2026 drew 18,400 attendees and 740 exhibitors, underscoring packaging and processing demand across Latin America. World Cup Food Buzz: Major brands rolled out matchday menus and collectibles tied to FIFA World Cup 2026.

Forced-Labor Tariffs: USTR has proposed Section 301 duties of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies over forced-labor failures, with comment deadlines through July 6 and a July 7 hearing—while carving out key categories like USMCA-compliant goods and certain CAFTA-DR textiles/apparel. Metals Tariff Reset: The Trump administration reduced Section 232 tariffs on some agricultural equipment and HVAC items from 25% to 15% through end-2027, while adding aluminum lithographic plates and steel racks to the tariff list, with CBP filing instructions already issued. Export Push by Lasco: Lasco Group says it will expand exports beyond today’s 4% of production, targeting higher-value products and growth across the Caribbean, the US, Canada, and parts of Central America including Guatemala. Energy Tech Update: Ormat Technologies announced the Ormega100 unit to scale enhanced geothermal system deployments, aiming to meet rising baseload clean power demand. Agriculture Biosecurity: Texas confirmed a second New World screwworm case, intensifying quarantine and sterile-fly releases—an issue that directly links to regional livestock movement risks affecting Guatemala’s broader agricultural supply chain. Air Connectivity: BermudAir announced winter route expansion adding Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City, betting on underserved leisure city pairs across the Caribbean and Central America.

Crypto Payments: Kraken and MoneyGram rolled out Bitcoin-to-cash withdrawals at nearly 500,000 MoneyGram locations across 100+ countries, aiming to make crypto-to-cash simpler for people who rely on cash. Trade Policy: The U.S. kicked off new Section 232 metal tariff adjustments (steel, aluminum, copper derivatives) with targeted agricultural and HVAC-related reductions running through 2027, while importers face updated filing and classification rules. Forced-Labor Tariffs: USTR proposed Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies for failing to block forced-labor imports, with Guatemala listed among countries facing a 10% rate and textiles/apparel exemptions tied to CAFTA-DR rules. Agriculture & Biosecurity: New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas after spreading through Mexico and Central America, triggering quarantines and sterile-fly releases—an issue that directly threatens regional livestock and wildlife health. Regional Business & Connectivity: BermudAir announced winter expansion adding Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City, using fifth-freedom routes to connect underserved leisure markets. Craft & Supply Chains: We Are Legacy launched NFC-based digital product identities for handmade goods to improve provenance and maker recognition across global craft networks.

Agriculture & Biosecurity: The U.S. confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas (a 1-month-old calf in Zavala County), after the first detection in decades. Officials are expanding quarantine and releasing sterile flies to stop spread—an urgent signal for livestock and wildlife health across the region. Trade Policy: The U.S. is moving forward with Section 301 forced-labor tariffs, proposing 10% for some economies (including Guatemala) with enforcement mechanisms, and 12.5% for others; textiles and certain CAFTA-DR duty-free flows are partially exempt. Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir announced winter route expansion that adds Turks & Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City, aiming to connect underserved leisure markets across the Caribbean and Central America. Craft & Supply Chains: We Are Legacy launched NFC-based digital product identities for handmade goods, embedding maker, materials, and production details to boost transparency and market recognition. Mining & Water Risks (Guatemala): A Guatemala-led aquatic protest targets a proposed gold/silver mine near Lake Güija, warning pollution could threaten the watershed feeding El Salvador’s drinking water.

Livestock & Biosecurity: The U.S. confirmed its first locally acquired New World screwworm case in 60 years in a three-week-old calf in Texas, triggering a 20-kilometer quarantine and sterile-fly releases—raising alarm for cattle and wildlife across the region. Trade Policy: USTR proposed Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on 60 economies, including Guatemala, with 10% rates for countries with partial mechanisms and 12.5% for others, while carving out key exemptions (including some CAFTA-DR duty-free textiles/apparel). Mining & Water Risks: Guatemala activists staged an aquatic march on Lake Güija to protest a proposed gold-and-silver mining project in Asunción Mita, warning of contamination threats to the watershed feeding El Salvador’s drinking water. Aviation & Connectivity: BermudAir announced winter expansion that adds Turks and Caicos, Belize, and Guatemala City, aiming to tap underserved leisure routes and reduce Bermuda’s seasonality. Innovation in Guatemala: Volcano Innovation Summit returns to Antigua Guatemala (Sept. 5–7) with a focus on regional startup, investor, and corporate connections.

Trade Policy: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor enforcement, with Guatemala named among economies facing a 10% rate if they have mechanisms in place, while others could face 12.5%—comments are invited ahead of a July 7 hearing. Metals & Manufacturing Inputs: The U.S. also moved to adjust Section 232 aluminum, steel and copper duties, offering targeted reductions for domestic manufacturers that rely on imported metal derivatives as inputs. Agribusiness Risk: A New World screwworm case was confirmed in a Texas calf, reviving concerns for livestock and wildlife and highlighting how the pest has spread through Central America and Mexico. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: BermudAir announced winter expansion adding Turks and Caicos, Belize and Guatemala City, aiming to link underserved city pairs across the Caribbean and Central America. Local Innovation: Guatemala will host the Volcano Innovation Summit (Sept. 5–7) in Antigua, bringing 2,200 leaders to connect entrepreneurs, investors and industry across the region.

Aviation Expansion: BermudAir, Bermuda’s homegrown startup, unveiled a winter growth push that adds Turks & Caicos, Belize and Guatemala City, using fifth-freedom leisure routes that bypass Bermuda and connect U.S. cities like Boston and Fort Lauderdale directly to the Caribbean and Central America. Animal Health & Trade Risk: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas after spreading from Panama through Central America, including Guatemala, raising urgent livestock and wildlife containment concerns and reinforcing the region’s biosecurity stakes. Forced-Labor Tariffs: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement gaps, with Guatemala named in the 10% group and public comments invited—an immediate pressure point for regional exporters. Local Industry & Innovation: Guatemala will host the Volcano Innovation Summit (Sept. 5–7) in Antigua, aiming to scale regional connections with 2,200 leaders across 35 countries. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: Lawsuits and court filings allege harsh conditions at New Jersey’s Delaney Hall ICE facility, including starvation claims and medical neglect—spotlighting operational accountability.

Forced-Labor Tariff Shock: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed Section 301 tariffs up to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies over alleged failures to block forced-labor goods, with Guatemala named among the 10% tier and the 12.5% tier also including several Central American neighbors—public comments and hearings are now the next step. Mining & Water Risks: Guatemala-based activists staged an aquatic march on Lake Güija to protest a proposed gold-and-silver mining project in Asunción Mita, warning pollution could threaten the watershed that feeds El Salvador’s drinking water. Craft Traceability Push: We Are Legacy launched a digital identity system for handmade products using NFC taps, embedding maker, materials, and production details to boost provenance and recognition across craft supply chains. Livestock Biosecurity Alert: A New World screwworm case was confirmed in a Texas calf, reviving fears for cattle and wildlife and highlighting how animal movement can spread the parasite. Climate Pressure on Guatemala: Coverage flags El Niño-linked heat and hunger risks for vulnerable communities, adding urgency for cooling and food resilience. Guatemala Business Spotlight: Volcano Innovation Summit will return to Antigua Guatemala (Sept. 5–7) aiming to scale regional connections for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

Forced-Labor Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed new Section 301 duties of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies after finding forced-labor rules weren’t effectively enforced, with Guatemala listed among the 10% tier—public comments and hearings are expected to shape final rates. Animal Health Shock: Texas confirmed the first New World screwworm case in decades, detected in a calf in Zavala County, triggering quarantine and surveillance efforts that could threaten cattle supply and prices if it spreads. Guatemala Immigration Case: A detained Guatemalan woman released after months in ICE custody said she was denied urgent ovarian surgery while detained, highlighting ongoing medical-care disputes in U.S. immigration enforcement. Air Connectivity: BermudAir announced winter expansion with direct flights from Boston to Belize, Turks and Caicos, and Guatemala City, adding new regional links for tourism and business travel. Climate Pressure on Industry: A new Greenpeace MENA documentary, Under the Sun, spotlights climate impacts in communities including Guatemala, tying environmental stress to broader economic and supply-chain risks.