Economy & Business - July 2026

GUATEMALA | FTA with Peru takes effect. On 1 July a new bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between Guatemala and Peru took effect. In a joint statement, the two governments said that bilateral trade totalled US$1.22bn from 2020-2025, which they said indicates the potential for further growth. According to the same statement, for Guatemala, the new deal will benefit exports such as medicines, confectionary, paper, cardboard, aluminium products, and sauces. For Peru, the deal will benefit exports of grapes, blueberries, citrus fruits, asparagus, coffee, cocoa, textiles, and various manufactured goods. The FTA was first signed in Guatemala City on 6 December 2011, while a supplementary protocol was inked in Lima on 23 April 2025 to clear up outstanding issues.