The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to lead a trade mission to Guatemala City, Guatemala, from March 3-7, aiming to enhance trade relations and boost U.S. agricultural exports throughout Central America. The delegation will include over two dozen agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from two state departments of agriculture.
"Strengthening export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses is a top priority of USDA," stated Foreign Agricultural Service Acting Associate Administrator Mark Slupek, who will head the mission. "This trade mission will connect U.S. producers with key buyers in Central America, expanding economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity, and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive."
Guatemala stands as the largest economy and most populous nation in Central America. In 2024, it was the leading market in the region for U.S. agricultural products and ranked 16th globally with exports amounting to $1.9 billion. That year also saw U.S. agricultural exports reach $1.4 billion to Honduras and $832 million to El Salvador. Notably, the value of exports to Guatemala increased by 15 percent from 2023; meanwhile, exports to Honduras and El Salvador grew by four and five percent respectively.
The Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) covers Guatemala and its neighboring countries in Central America. This agreement has phased out almost all tariffs and further bolsters the presence of U.S. products in the region.
Participants on this trade mission will have opportunities for direct engagement with buyers from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador through customized business-to-business meetings. Additionally, Foreign Agricultural Service staff along with regional experts will conduct market briefings, site visits, and networking events.
Joining Slupek on this mission are officials from Idaho's and Wisconsin's departments of agriculture along with representatives from various businesses including Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (Juneau), Beaver Street Fisheries (Jacksonville), Bear Fiber (Morganton), California Fresh Fruit Association (Fresno), East-West International Group (Moreland Hills), Flavor Consultants (North Las Vegas), Forbidden Farms (Clarksdale), Globex International (New York), Heartland Essentials (Gilbert), Interra International LLC (Atlanta), InterVision Foods (Atlanta), Jack’s Alimentary Supply Inc. (Lowell), JM Grain (Garrison), Kennedy Rice Mill (Mer Rouge), Macdonald Meat Company (Seattle), Merus LLC (Minneapolis), National Industrial Hemp Council of America (Washington D.C.), Space Enterprises LLC (The Woodlands), Sure Good Foods USA Inc. (Atlanta), Sysco International Food Group (Jacksonville), TRC Trading Group (Roseville), U.S Grains Council (Washington D.C.), U.S Rice Producers Association (Katy Texas) United States Soybean Export Council Chesterfield Mo., USA Rice Arlington Va.
For additional details about USDA trade missions visit www.fas.usda.gov.