Guatemala in crisis due to Mexico’s closure of shrimp imports

Guatemala City, Feb 9 (Prensa Latina) The Guatemalan shrimp industry is currently coping with a severe crisis, for which the authorities in charge are figuring out a solution to Mexico's border closure for the product’s entry.

February 9, 2024
16:23

We are looking for ways out of such situation that is breaking and altering trade deals implemented for years in full respect, backed by a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the CEO of the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT) Gabriel Biguria stated.

Mexico’s General Legal Directorate of Customs issued on January 22 a temporary border closure order under the argument of crustacean smuggling from Ecuador.

That legal decision included land or maritime areas for the entry of shrimp not only from Guatemala, but also from Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

Mexico denied Costa Rica the entry of shrimp through the Ciudad Hidalgo International Bridge in the state of Chiapas, which affected the economy of over 20 communities on the southern coast, and had an impact on competitiveness.

Guatemala, after having 22 authorized points of entry for its goods into Mexico, now has only one, through Puerto Progreso de Castro, Yucatan.

The AGEXPORT’s CEO explained that logistics costs have ramped up by over 300%, and delivery times are considerably longer.

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