Guatemalan
manufacturing:
added value and innovation
The Guatemalan manufacturing sector represents 18% of the country’s economy
T
he manufacturing sector is in growth
mode through its promotion of value
chains,
commercial
intelligence,
strategic alliances – public, private and
academic, achieving a 3.6% growth in 2016.
Among the most representative products of the
sector are diversified foods (liquid beverages,
powders, beers and alcoholic beverages),
confectionary (bubble gum, candy and
chocolates), preserves (canned or glass packaged
goods), processed foods (soups, sauces, dairy,
cold-cuts), clothing and tobacco.
The manufacturing exports in 2016 were
US$5,781 million, representing 55% of the total
country exports and 8.3% of the GDP.
Among the main markets for export are
Central America, in addition to United States,
Mexico, Dominican Republic and Europe.
Manufacturing generate almost 1 million
formal jobs in the country, according to the
National Statistics Institute. Many of them
distributed in industrial parks designed
specifically for the elaboration of different
products.
The interest of entrepreneurs to pursue quality
at low cost has allowed the sector to grow in the
nostalgic, as well as other market niches.
The incursion from other countries into the
Central American market, has been a positive
challenge that has fostered innovation by
Guatemalan entrepreneurs in order to preserve
their market position.
An example that has revolutionized the market
with new designs is the handicrafts sector: with
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decorative articles for the home and personal
accessories (bags, jewelry, costume jewelry)
which are highly desirable in the United States,
Germany, Italy, France and Australia.
Upholstered furniture, multi-functional, with
fine finishes and contemporary details, doors,
windows made from Guatemalan mahogany,
floors and beds, show the world the talent of
young designers that are influencing trends at
an international level.
Guatemala also offers other manufactures to
the world such as electronic devices,
refrigeration, spare parts, medical devices and
cosmetics.
The plastics industry is one of the most
important in indirect exports in the country,
since it supplies other productive areas with
packaging, rigid and flexible, wrapping and
assembly pieces and products that increase
competitiveness.
Among other industries that have stood out in
the manufacturing and diverse manufacturing
sector are footwear, pharmaceutical products,
natural rubber, paper and carton.
Manufactures have maintained stable growth,
since they have been able to diversify their
supply and participate in different, highly
prestigious international fairs, in addition to
becoming an important tool for commercial
expansion of the products made by Guatemalan
hands.
The strategy is clear: to impact markets
according to the global trends through the
delivery of quality, research, innovation and
good services.