Economic Activities in Guatemala: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Guatemala, with a population of approximately 17.6 million (as of 2023), is among the more populous countries in Central America. Located in Central America, it covers 108,890 square kilometers, ranking 101st globally, just below Cuba.

As of 2024, Guatemala’s GDP stands at approximately $113.2 billion (current US$), ranking among the larger Central American economies. Its GDP per capita is about $6,150 (current US$). (World Bank, 2024)

Guatemala’s economy demonstrates steady growth, with potential for further development and investment in various sectors to enhance its economic standing on the global stage.

Guatemala Economic Structure & Sector Analysis

• Primary activities: 13.3% of GDP.
• Secondary activities: 23.4% of GDP.
• Tertiary activities: 63.2% of GDP.

Primary Sector of Guatemala

With 43.04% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops and animal products. The top ten agricultural products include sugarcane, bananas, oil palm fruit, maize, cantaloupes/melons, potatoes, milk, tomatoes, chicken, and pineapples.

Despite contributing 13.3% to the GDP, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy, providing livelihoods and sustenance to many Guatemalans. The sector’s significance lies in the rich tapestry of products it offers, showcasing the country’s agricultural prowess.

With a diverse geological landscape, Guatemala boasts rich natural resources. The primary sector thrives on petroleum, nickel, rare woods, fish, chicle, and hydropower, driving economic growth and employment opportunities.Guatemala’s oil production of approximately 6,307 barrels per day places the country at the 59th position in the world ranking. With oil reserves totaling 83,070,000 barrels, Guatemala holds a small but significant percentage of the world’s oil reserves at 0.01%.

Secondary Sector of Guatemala

In Guatemala, key industrial products include sugar, textiles, clothing, furniture, chemicals, petroleum, metals, and rubber. These goods are manufactured for domestic consumption and export, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.Manufactures in Guatemala’s total exports in 2023 accounted for 45.76%, indicating their significant role in the country’s economy. However, other sectors like agriculture and services also play crucial roles, diversifying the export base and reducing dependence on a single industry.

Tertiary sector of Guatemala

The tertiary sector in Guatemala encompasses a wide range of services that focus on providing knowledge and expertise to enhance productivity and meet various needs. This sector includes intangible goods such as advice, attention, and expertise, catering to both consumer and business-to-business services. Some of the main tertiary activities in Guatemala are restaurants, healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, tourism and hospitality, and transportation and logistics. These services play a crucial role in driving the country’s economy and meeting the diverse needs of its population.Among these, Guatemala’s tourism industry is a significant contributor to its economy, with an impressive 2,560,000 annual arrivals. Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its colonial architecture, and Tikal, an ancient Mayan city surrounded by lush rainforests, are among the country’s most popular destinations, attracting visitors from around the globe.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with over 20 million subscriptions, equating to 115 per 100 inhabitants. This connectivity fosters technological growth and innovation across various industries.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Guatemala

In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use. The secondary sector focuses on manufacturing military equipment. The tertiary sector provides services, while the quaternary sector involves research and development. Finally, the quinary sector is where high-level decisions and strategies are made for military operations.

In Guatemala, the military expenditure for 2023 is approximately 422.3 million US dollars, which is about 0.41% of the country’s GDP. The active military force consists of 24,917 personnel, resulting in 6.4 active military members for every 1,000 people in the population.

International Trade of Guatemala

Import Activities of Guatemala

Import activities in Guatemala are crucial, accounting for about 29% of GDP in 2023, totaling roughly $30.28 billion in goods imports. This highlights the significant reliance on imports for the country’s economy.Guatemala’s key import activities include importing refined petroleum, video displays, paper, plastic products, and cars. The country’s top import partners are the US (34%), China (18%), Mexico (9%), El Salvador (4%), and Costa Rica (3%).

Exports Activities of Guatemala

In Guatemala, export activities play a medium-high importance role, accounting for about 14% of GDP in 2023, totaling roughly $14.26 billion in goods exports. This highlights the significant contribution of exports to the country’s economy.Guatemala’s export activities are diversified, with key partners being the US, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico. The country primarily exports garments, coffee, bananas, palm oil, and raw sugar.

Guatemala economy challenges in 2024

In 2024, Guatemala faces ongoing challenges with high poverty and income inequality. Limited government services and lack of employment opportunities hinder human development efforts. Despite steady economic growth fueled by remittances, frequent natural disasters continue to impede progress and drive emigration.

Sources

• World Bank: Guatemala
• IMF: Guatemala
• CIA World Factbook: Guatemala
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow

Last updated: August 2026