Guatemala, exporter of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, has been experiencing logistical delays due to the political unrest in the country.
For the last week, Guatemalan exports have been persistently obstructed due to the protests impacting several aspects of the supply chain of fruits and vegetables. Local news stated that the political protests and demonstrations have intensified, closing several roads across the country and causing road blockades that have triggered fuel shortages in some regions, making logistics/traffic very difficult on major highways. Unfortunately, the chaos has forced many maritime and trucking companies in Guatemala to reconsider and restructure operational strategies until they can secure measures that can be implemented to protect Guatemalans and the lives of those operating transits and logistics.
In 2022, the United States imported over 6 billion pounds of fruits and over 305 million pounds of vegetables inbound from Guatemala, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service statistics.
Meanwhile, on the United States side, many, if not all Guatemalan Produce Trade Association members, specifically importers and industry service providers, will be attending the Global Produce and Floral Show. The show will be held in Anaheim, California, October 19-21 where members will display and discuss their products and services from Guatemala.
“As GPTA, we are severely impacted emotionally and professionally due to the political issues in Guatemala. As news becomes available – we will make every effort to keep the industry and our customers informed. Until this situation subsides, our prayers and hearts go out to those on the front lines in Guatemala,” says Priscilla Lleras, executive director, GPTA.
For more information:
Priscilla Lleras
Guatemala Produce Trade Association
Tel: +1 (817) 793-3133
priscillaprestige@outlook.com
https://guatemalaproducetradeassociation.com/