On January 30, 2026, Guatemala and the United States of America signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement through which approximately 70% of Guatemalan exports to that market regain zero-tariff benefits, complementing the DR-CAFTA regime, as reported by the Ministry of Economy. This agreement does not replace the current framework but reinforces it, providing greater certainty and continuity in preferential access to the country’s main trading partner.
Key scopes and effects of the agreement
- Zero tariff for key exports: Applies mainly to traditional agricultural products and most textile exports that comply with CAFTA-DR rules of origin, strengthening the competitiveness of the export sector.
- Partial coverage: Certain non-traditional products, aquaculture goods, some manufactured products, and textiles made with non-originating inputs are excluded and remain subject to a 10% tariff.
- Operational and compliance requirements: The application of zero tariffs requires correct tariff classification, strict compliance with rules of origin, and adequate supporting documentation, as any inconsistency may result in customs or tax contingencies.
- Elimination of non-tariff barriers: The agreement includes the simplification of import licenses and automatic recognition of FDA authorizations for medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and food, including compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
- Additional commitments: Guatemala assumes obligations regarding non-discriminatory access to agricultural products from the United States, reinforced protection of intellectual property, labor and environmental standards, digital trade, and alignment in economic security, forming a comprehensive framework with direct impact on exporters and importers.
This new commercial scenario expands access opportunities to the U.S. market but requires a product-specific analysis and careful compliance management to fully leverage the benefits of the agreement.