During the presentation of the Market Intelligence report, the official explained that Guatemala is facing a problem in which its shipments to the northern nation will have to pay $461 million, which were not previously included in the costs.

This has negative effects on many business decisions that we will see over time, Carballido emphasized, noting that neighboring Mexico does not have that 10 percent tariff, which is why the difference is greater.

He commented that this is an issue that deserves attention and is described as a crisis situation, which is why solutions must be found amidst trade uncertainty, while suggesting reaching new markets such as South America.

There are multiple paths, however, we are trying to focus on those that can generate the most value and, therefore, include both products and services.

Without a doubt, the latter has proven in recent years to be one of the sectors with sustained growth and less sensitive to global fluctuations, he emphasized.

Regarding the US White House’s announcement, Luis Rolando Lara, director of the Guatemalan Banking Agency, stated that it is a fairly drastic change and that this territory has fared quite well; it is on the list of the least damaged.

There is a climate of great uncertainty; no one knows what will happen, and “this —the tariffs— is a step toward negotiation,” he asserted in statements to the local newspaper Prensa Libre.

In a statement the day before, the government acknowledged here that it has worked closely with the US administration to ensure that bilateral relations remain constructive.

He assured that, through the Foreign Ministry and the Embassy in Washington, DC, he is in constant contact with the northern authorities to understand the scope of this new policy, evaluate all necessary measures to mitigate the impacts, and take advantage of potential opportunities.

He also added that, through the Presidency and the Ministry of Economy, we will continue to maintain close communication with the private sector and our trading partners within the region to protect the country’s commercial interests.

He reiterated his commitment to the export sector and that he will promote the necessary measures to generate opportunities for economic transformation, ensuring that Guatemala remains reliable and competitive for its partners in the United States.

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