With a consolidated ecosystem in the textile industry , Guatemala competes and positions itself as a strategic supplier in the “big leagues” of the sports market. From uniforms to fan apparel, products reach the NBA, NHL and MLB.

United States and Guatemala to present work plan to develop Puerto Quetzal
The U.S. Embassy reported that the U.S. and Guatemala committed to formalize a work plan to develop Puerto Quetzal, including additional feasibility studies, design planning and training by U.S. experts for the local infrastructure workforce.
Did you know that Americans earn up to five times more than Guatemalans just for meeting the base salary? However, a good salary is not enough either. Find out what else it takes to attract talent.
The Personal Identification Document (DPI) number will be the same as the Tax Identification Number (NIT) and applies to all citizens as of Monday, March 17, 2025, according to the Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT).
This investment would generate approximately 10,776 direct and indirect jobs in the country.
The Ministry of Economy updated the investment attraction portfolio of Pro Guatemala, but there are several challenges to overcome, says analyst.
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Last year there was a recovery in exports compared to 2023, and these are the products most sold abroad, according to Banguat data.
Guatemala closed 2024 with growth of between 1% and 3% in exports of goods and services, reaching an estimated US$18.5 billion to US$18.8 billion.
In order to take advantage of the production relocation trend known as nearshoring, textile industry entrepreneurs are trying to reinvent themselves, according to their leaders.
Guatemala City, Jan 10 (Prensa Latina) Official data today show an increase of almost four percent in the value of Guatemala’s exports in 2024 compared to the same period last year, with shipments to at least 20 new countries.
The presidential decision to fix the minimum wage at 10% and 6% by 2025 continues to generate diverse reactions and there are possibilities of possible effects on the national economy.
“Making popular decisions does not necessarily benefit the population; and this is a responsibility that should be taken more seriously by those charged with ensuring Guatemala’s stability and development.”
At least four effects will be reflected in the economy, such as unemployment, high prices, informality and migration, warn analysts.
The true minimum wage is always zero, regardless of laws.

President Bernardo Arévalo decreed a 10% increase in the minimum wage by 2025, placing Guatemala among the countries with the highest minimum wages in Latin America.
Guatemala faces a dangerous equation: a high minimum wage (US$484) and a low capacity to use resources to produce goods and services. According to the ILO’s Labor Productivity Index, the country ranks 122nd out of 189 countries.
The Bank of Guatemala (Banguat), estimates that the country’s economic growth expectations for next year are favorable due to a solid economic policy.
With the objective of promoting and consolidating foreign investment in Guatemala, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minex) organized the Commercial Counselors Seminar 2024.
The union sector considers it urgent and necessary to increase the minimum wage by 2025, in order to recover the loss of purchasing power of workers’ households.
After failing to reach an agreement in the National Minimum Wage Commission, it will be in the hands of the President of the Republic to decide whether to maintain the same figures or to raise them in 2025.
The Guatemalan government proposed a 10% increase in the minimum wage by 2025, a final decision still pending approval by the president, Bernardo Arévalo.
Only 600 to 700 scholarships are offered per year, despite the fact that some 240,000 young people enter the market. The budget is considered low by experts, who recommend Mintrab to redesign the scholarship in terms of duration, geographical area of coverage and applicant profile.
Sustainable fashion is that which takes into account materials, recycling and waste in the production of garments. The fashion industry is seeking to show a new face in its coexistence with the planet. Designers and manufacturers are already working to move towards sustainable fashion, driven by customers who no longer see the throwaway culture as logical.
Regulation | Guatemalan companies now have more time to comply with environmental regulations, they will now have until September 27, 2025 to submit their Environmental Corrective Instrument in addition to obtaining the Environmental License.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) published Governmental Agreement 148-2024 extending the term to one year for medical clinics, restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, production plants, businesses, industries or any type of activity to regularize before the Ministry and comply with the management of the corrective environmental instrument.
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has amended the Regulations for Environmental Evaluation, Control and Monitoring (RECSA).
MARN seeks to make more efficient and transparent the procedures that users carry out in this portfolio.
Miami’s trade and investment links with Central America’s textile king
Authorities involved in investment promotion issues confirm interest from countries such as Japan, Taiwan and Spain, to take advantage of Guatemala’s strategic location.
The Nextil Group’s investment in the country allows us to position ourselves as a country of trust, with great opportunities, said the governor.

We celebrate the fact that Guatemala is becoming a land where ingenuity and effort generate employment and social welfare. The confidence they place in our country is a clear sign that it is an attractive destination for industry and foreign investment.
The Spanish fabric manufacturing company Nextil officially inaugurated its operations in Guatemala on October 16.
The installation of this 12,000-square-meter plant in Guatemala, with state-of-the-art technology and business areas, is part of a hemispheric growth strategy.
The members of the National Minimum Wage Commission (Comisión Nacional del Salario Mínimo, CNSM) were unable to reach an agreement to fix the payments corresponding to workers that by law must be fixed for the following year. Consequently, it will now be in the hands of the President of the Republic to decide whether to maintain the same figures or to raise them.
Guatemala, May 2023. The impact that the Apparel and Textile Industry is generating translates into thousands of jobs, being a growing sector that represents 14% of the country’s total exports. Currently the sector, after two years of historic growth and strong investments, is growing in installed capacity, so it is essential to develop different skills so that people can be effectively inserted in the industry.
The Apparel and Textile Association signed an alliance to strengthen technical capacities with Universidad del Istmo and Fundación Kinal.

The impact that the Apparel and Textile Industry is generating translates into thousands of jobs, being a growing sector that represents 14% of the country’s total exports.
The textile industry has recently proven to be the closest to the concept of circular economy in Peru, according to experts. Although it is still taking its first steps, the road to sustainability in this sector seems to be closer than expected.
The main objective of the circular economy is to keep resources in use for as long as possible. For example, taken to the textile industry, it would be to keep a garment in circulation for as long as possible.
Guatemala stands out as a country full of opportunities for international investors, including Spaniards. According to the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Guatemala, the economy is robust -the most solid in Central America- and also offers a strategic location that facilitates trade and connectivity with key markets worldwide.
In order to take advantage of the production relocation trend known as nearshoring, textile industry entrepreneurs are trying to reinvent themselves, according to their leaders.
One of the strengths of this sector is the integration of its cluster, one of the most organized in the Central American region, as well as its supply chain, which ranges from spinning, weaving, embroidery, screen printing, sublimation, accessories, dyeing and special finishes to the delivery of the final product.
Guatemala’s textile sector reports a 16.8% increase in exports. Here we give you all the details.
In the last three years, the Apparel and Textiles Apparel and Textiles sector has positioned itself as one of the main leaders in Guatemala’s exports, which has allowed the cluster to grow stronger.
According to study, 41% of surveyed brands seek to increase production in the CAFTA-DR region in the next two years
The Apparel Sourcing Show (APSS) is preparing to demonstrate the capabilities of Central America’s apparel and textile sector to compete in the future in the face of changing global market trends.
For more than three decades the Apparel Sourcing Show has positioned itself as a fundamental pillar in the promotion of the Guatemalan textile industry.
Attend the Apparel Sourcing Show 2024, the trade show dedicated to the apparel and textile sector, unique in the region, where you can learn about the supply chain with categories such as: Textiles, Machinery, Services, Accessories, Screen Printing, Sublimation and much more.
A new yarn mill begins operations, creating jobs and increasing Guatemala’s exports.
In order to take advantage of the production relocation trend known as nearshoring, textile industry entrepreneurs are trying to reinvent themselves, according to their leaders.
The impact that the Apparel and Textile Industry is generating translates into thousands of jobs, being a growing sector that represents 14% of the country’s total exports.

The impact that the Apparel and Textile industry is generating translates into thousands of jobs, being a growing sector that represents 14% of the country’s total exports.
The Apparel and Textile Association (Vestex) signed an agreement with the Universidad del Istmo and the Kinal Foundation, in order to promote technical, operative, middle management and managerial careers in the textile industry.
Although the pace of growth accelerated compared to the first quarter, the figures still represent a moderation compared to last year.
Guatemala continues to generate expectations and approaches with countries that observe the economic dynamics and analyze the climate for foreign capital investment.
This week a high-level delegation of 7 companies and 2 delegates from entities of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) visited the country to prospect for investment opportunities or commercial alliances with local companies.
Having been in the industry for over decades, Pearl Global has established its presence across the USA. We have incorporated offices, factories, and design units in multiple countries and cities to meet the fashion requirements of some of the biggest brands in the USA continent. We operate in 5 countries and apply cross-functional operations to meet the expectations of our clients and to become one of the leading clothing manufacturers in USA.
Pearl Global Industries Limited (PGIL), one of India’s largest garment exporters has announced its strategic expansion into Guatemala, recognizing the unparalleled opportunities offered by the country’s unique competitive position. The company has acquired a 55% stake in Pearl GT Holdco Ltd for a consideration of USD 550,000. The acquisition will be funded through internal accruals.
Spain-based garment manufacturing group Nextil is set to open a new production facility in Guatemala. The company plans to invest €40m ($47.16m) in the plant and will initially hire 350 local employees. The 25,000m2 factory is scheduled to open in early 2023.
Nextil expects to end the year with its new production plant in Guatemala up and running at full capacity. It will be the largest of the textile group, which also aims to be a global benchmark in sustainable dyeing through its proprietary Greendyes technology, while continuing to develop innovative fabrics.
HANSAE’S MAJOR PROJECT: THE EXPANSION OF CENTRAL AMERICA MILLS, 2022. IMPERIAL GROUP’S APPAREL TEXTILE SOURCING FACILITY FOR KNITTING AND DYEING, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HANSAE. HANSAE
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – In recent days, Miami-based Finotex, a leading brand identification solutions manufacturer, announced that their Guatemala facility has officially begun operations as of April 26.
This is the tenth USFIA Benchmarking Survey. During the past decade we have seen the fashion industry
respond successfully to major disruptions and unpredictability. This year is definitely
another very challenging time. In 2023 sourcing executives remain concerned about the economy
and inflation. Only half of the survey respondents anticipate their sourcing volume will grow during
2023, while one year ago 90% of the sourcing executives predicted expanding business.
U.S. fashion companies continue to diversify their sourcing base in 2023, urged on by the need to de-risk their supply chains and the growing popularity of nearshoring after the disruptions to COVID-19. While China remains the most-utilized apparel sourcing base, the amount of sourcing quantity/value continues to fall. This year, 41% of respondents source less than 10% of their apparel products from China and an additional 30% only sources 11-30% of their apparel products from China.
A new strategic partnership enables Star Fades International (SFI) to double down on its effort to support nearshoring in the Americas.
Commerce, Calif.-based Star Fades International (SFI) is expanding its footprint in the Americas.
The full-package development hub with production partners in the U.S. and Mexico opened a new office in Guatemala to support its growth efforts. SFI aims to expand its reach geographically and widen its product offering beyond denim to ready-to-wear knits and wovens.
The Vice President, U.S. Department of State, and the Partnership for Central America (PCA), come together to announce private sector commitments now total more than $3.2 billion.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2023 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vice President Harris convened a group of more than twenty CEOs and executives from the Partnership for Central America to announce $4B in private sector investment mobilized to support Northern Central America and launch “Central America Forward.”
The Apparel Sourcing Show is the most important Central American trade show that showcases current textile and apparel trends.
On April 6, Guatemala’s Minister of Economy, Rubén Morales Monroy, participated in the“Annual Networking Cocktail” in New York City, USA. The event is organized every year by the Guatemalan Apparel and Textile Industry Association (Vestex) to attract more investment and buyers to the country.
By 2024, the Apparel and Textile sector foresees a 5 percent increase in export revenues, compared to 2023, which registered 1.848 billion dollars, informed the Guatemalan Apparel and Textile Association (Vestex).
This Tuesday was the inauguration of the only trade fair in Central America that exhibits the complete Apparel and Textile sector cluster, its capabilities, its added value and the products in which the region specializes through the Apparel Sourcing Show: “We weave the future, leading the region”.
Guatemala City, May 24 (Prensa Latina) The apparel and textile industry, Guatemala’s export leader, today seeks to attract investment to the nation in the short term, especially from the United States, Mexico and Europe.
The Apparel Sourcing Show 2024, an event organized every year by the textile sector, was inaugurated. The objective is to promote the exportable offer and the sale of other articles. It will be open until tomorrow at the Tikal Futura Hotel. This time they plan to close business for about 10 million dollars.

The mission of representatives of the textile sector of the Republic of China (Taiwan) who visited Guatemala this week, opened important opportunities to strengthen business in this area.

Seven Taiwanese companies explored the country for business opportunities expansion

The Apparel and Textiles sector continues to be the country’s main exporter, exporting US$1,848 million in 2023.
Guatemala City, Apr 8 (Prensa Latina) Guatemala’s apparel and textile exports fell 18.1 percent last year compared to the previous year due to local and global inflation, it was reported today.
Specialization in market niches, high value-added products and investment attraction are the three strategies implemented by the Apparel and Textile Industry with the objective of achieving greater growth…

Specialization in niche markets, high value-added products and investment attraction are the three strategies implemented by the Apparel and Textile Industry with the objective of achieving greater growth and surpassing a 2023…

Specialization in market niches, high value-added products and investment attraction are the three strategies implemented by the Apparel and Textile Sector (VESTEX)…
These strategies will be addressed at the Apparel Sourcing Show 2024, the only apparel and textile fair in the Central American region. The 31st edition will be held May 21-23 at the Grand Tikal Futura Hotel in…
Specialization in niche markets, high value-added products and investment attraction are the three strategies implemented by the Apparel and Textile Industry with the aim of achieving greater growth and overcoming a 2023 in which global market conditions generated a decrease in exports in general…
In 2023, the closing of apparel and textile exports reported us$1,848 million.
Specialization in niche markets, high value-added products and investment attraction are the three strategies implemented by the Apparel and Textile Industry with the objective of achieving greater growth and surpassing a 2023…

An exciting opportunity to discover apparel and textile products and services in Guatemala has arrived. What a chilean! The Apparel Sourcing Show 2024 is about to take place, one of the most important trade shows in Central America, the only one focused on this industry in the region. More details below!
Save the date to participate in the 31st edition of the Apparel Sourcing Show, the only textile industry trade show in the region. Attend to learn about new products, services and participate in the free workshops available from May 21-23.
Changes to the laws governing the export and maquila sector, as well as the free trade zones, or the approval of a General Investment Law, demand representatives of the sector.

With excellent opportunities for investment and growth, Apparel Sourcing Show is the only regional trade show dedicated to apparel and textiles.
The Apparel and Textile cluster (Vestex), which has been characterized by constant innovation.

Apparel Sourcing Show 2023 is one of the most important trade shows in the region that will bring opportunities for those involved in the manufacturing industry.

This is the country’s main export sector and stands out nationally and internationally as a competitive, responsible, versatile and flexible segment.

During the show, the official highlighted the strategy for the promotion of foreign and domestic investments.

The Apparel Sourcing Show expects the participation of approximately 5,000 people during its three days at the Tikal Futura Hotel in zone 11 of Guatemala City.


Minister of Economy inaugurates the Apparel Sourcing Show
During the show, the official highlighted the strategy for the promotion of foreign and domestic investments.

This was an opportunity for industry players to showcase their most innovative products and/or services, new trends and upcoming launches.

Guatemala’s apparel and textile exports will grow by five percent in 2024, after a drop of 18.1 percent last year, according to executives of this productive sector.
The most recent data from the Guatemalan textile production sector point to a drop in exports of around 15% at the end of this year, due to lower demand from customers in the United States, which is the main buyer, which would be associated with the effects of inflation and the measures adopted by the Federal Reserve (Fed) regarding interest rates.