Guatemala demonstrates strong aspirations for technology and innovation in the textile industry that expanding companies should take note of. The textile industry is responsible for transforming raw materials into a finished product, and is a crucial element of supply chains worldwide. In Guatemala, clothing manufacturing is popular and is looking to innovate.
Guatemala profits from the Dominican Republic–Central American Free Trade Agreement, and could also benefit from the trade dispute between China and the USA. Many manufacturers are looking to move their production to more profitable locations. The demand for more sustainable production processes rises, and supply shortages from Asia and other parts of the world place Guatemala in an advantageous position.
Now technology and innovation could help boost textile businesses in Guatemala to increase productivity. What are Guatemala’s aspirations?
Table of Contents
Key facts of Guatemala’s textile industry
Did you know:
- There are about 169 apparel factories in Guatemala, most of them Korean-owned
- 90% of production is exported to the US
- Most popular items of productions are cotton and synthetic knit tops, cotton woven and knit cotton trousers, pants, and shorts
- Exports of textile companies reported an average annual growth of 2% between 2010 and 2019.
New technology to lower cost and increase productivity
In order to strengthen Guatemala’s competitiveness, the industry relies on the use of software and systems to improve operations. Automation of processes is one way to lower costs and increase productivity. The necessary capital and technology could come from Korea. In 2019, Sae-A Trading announced its plans to invest into a US$400 million high-tech industrial complex in Guatemala for the production of chemical fibre, and weaving and dyeing of polyester yarn. It will be the first and only Korean supplier that sews, knits and dyes within one location. This way, Sae-A Trading takes advantage of Guatemala’s close location to the USA.
It’s a win-win situation for Korea and Guatemala. Guatemala will gain between 1,500 to 2,000 direct jobs. By moving a large part of the production process to Guatemala, Korea can benefit from Guatemala’s Central American Free Trade Agreement and save on taxes when importing to the US. Moreover, Korean companies also bring 3D designs to Guatemala, which enable companies to realise personal requests; an additional stream of revenue for textile companies in Guatemala.
Guatemala needs to step up its productivity to compete with other countries in Central America in the textile industry. Guatemala now offers opportunities for textile businesses looking to bring cheap, efficient production processes into the country. Now there is the opportunity to get ahead of the early adopters who profit from the trade conflict between the US and China. Now many manufacturers are looking to move production from China to Central America.
Guatemala’s wages are competitive
The clothing and textile industry contributes to 8.9% of its GDP. Guatemala’s wages for employees are comparably competitive against other more developed markets. Although wages in the industry in Guatemala is up to 57% more expensive than in countries like El Salvador or Nicaragua, overheads such as employment remain relatively low compared to Northern America and other developed regions.
Growing focus on sustainability
Sales Director Dee Dee Harris, Buhler Quality Yarns Corp, encourages colleagues in her industry to partner up, and start forming friendships instead of rivals. “We have to look at changing how we do things now. The world is changing around us. It’s time we change with it,” she said. “Our competitors can be our best friends. Instead of saying, ‘We have obstacles,’ we have opportunities.” Technical development can support the reinforcement of businesses.
The textile industry in Guatemala is experiencing a growing demand for eco-friendly supplies. Liztex, one of the largest textile manufacturers in Central America, leads by example. Liztex’s sales executive Karla Meijía explains “we have a machine that you put all the scraps in and it produces the yarn and fabric again. Right now, we’re doing post-industrial cutting and sewing. We have other customers with whom we are negotiating post-consumer options.” By using different sourcing options, such as re- or upcycling, Liztex can create more production opportunities for Guatemala and the rest of Central America. Another industry expert mentions that Guatemalan can offer high-quality products, which are up to the standards of products coming from Asia, offering the same quality.
Industria Textil S.A.’s factory in Guatemala City uses recycled cotton and polyester. The polyester is produced from PET plastic bottles, which comes to circa 10 million pounds of yarn a year.
Sourcing from recycled materials saves carbon-dioxide emissions, reduces water consumption and toxic materials.
Profiting from trade tension between China and the USA
Experts emphasise the importance to expand Guatemala’s capacities now, to profit from ongoing trade tensions between China and the USA. Trump’s restrictions on Chinese products keep the prices of Asian garments high and enable Guatemala to stay competitive. This creates opportunities for manufacturers looking for production facilities outside of Asia. Traders can also take advantage of Guatemala’s weaker currency. Interestingly enough, the US will add a 10% tariff on fibre, yarn, and fabric. Finished clothing is excluded from this tariff.
This tension between global trading giants could attract many manufacturers to move production to emerging textile manufacturing hubs like Guatemala. Still, the textile industry in Guatemala needs to blow up the scale, boost speed, and update the equipment to be able to keep up with the competition.
The industry is looking for alternatives to Asia
As a result of COVID-19, textile orders have dropped by over 30% globally, according to the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF). Major US retailers also notice a drop of imports into the US, and numbers are not expected to rise again until summer. This is particularly bad, since previously up to 90% of Guatemalan textiles were exported to the United States.
In 2018, 46% of imported fabrics to Guatemala came from China, and imports are stagnant now. Measures taken by governments to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have slowed the supply of raw materials to Latin America, and countries in the region – including Guatemala – can expect to experience varied levels of revenue losses.
Still, there is at least one light in the dark for Guatemala: Many brands have moved their textile orders from Asia to Central America.
Guatemala offers more incentive to move production from Asia to Central America:
- Proximity to the US: consider travel time you can save, when doing business in the region, or to assure quality requirements, and compliance with human rights. Travels to Asia take considerably longer, and time difference only varies one or two hours from the US.
- Quick shipping: orders from China often take a month to arrive, compared to shipping from Latin America which takes about four-five days.
- China’s growing middle class: with the income level rising in China, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep labor cost low. Central America offers lower cost alternatives.
What makes Guatemala stand out from competing countries in Central America?
Guatemala is the largest economy in the region, and is has plenty of experience with high fashion and apparel.
Expand your textile business to Guatemala and take advantage of opportunities
Expand your business in the textile industry in Guatemala to benefit from low costs of production and emerging technologies. Make sure to engage with a local legal expert to ensure you comply with all Guatemalan corporate and other regulations for business.
At Biz Latin Hub, we can provide you with our professional market entry and back office services. Biz Latin Hub, we are a market leader for supporting businesses from over the world start their business in Guatemala and Central America.
Our team of qualified, multilingual professionals in Latin America provides a suite of customizable market entry and back office services to support your expansion. Contact us now, visit our website at bizlatinhub.com for more information, and become part of the Central American business scene.
Learn more about our team and expert authors.
The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
