Guatemala: Sugar Annual
Guatemalan sugar production for Marketing Year (MY) 2018 is forecast at 2.90 million metric tons (MMT). Production for MY2017 has been revised down eight percent to 2.80 MMT from the previous estimate due to the closure of the Chabil Utzaj sugar mill. Production for MY2016 was revised down five percent to 2.82 MMT, due to the Chabil Utzaj closure. Total exports for MY2018 are forecast at 2.11 MMT, with raw sugar making up 52 percent and refined sugar 48 percent of Guatemalan exports. Harvested area has almost reached its maximum capacity at 270,000 Ha, and although sugarcane yields are high, the industry will depend on increasing sugar recovery rates to maintain growth.
