Guatemala saw a sharp rise in apparel imports during the first eight months of 2025, with import volumes up 34.78 percent in Jan–Aug compared with the same period last year.
That surge has coincided with a noticeable shift in sourcing patterns. Although China remains the largest supplier to Guatemala, its share has diminished — a consequence of rising freight volatility and higher costs associated with Asian sourcing.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased its share to 20.64 percent, buoyed by benefits from CAFTA‑DR and the appeal of shorter lead-times for businesses seeking faster turnaround.
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Other countries within Central America and beyond — including Honduras, El Salvador, and Bangladesh — have also gained from these shifting supply-chain dynamics, as firms increasingly turn to regional or near-shore options that allow quicker delivery and integrated production networks.
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Industry observers interpret these trends as evidence of a broader “near-shoring” movement. Brands and retailers sourcing from closer, more logistically stable suppliers rather than relying heavily on distant Asian markets.
That has major implications for global textile and apparel supply chains — potentially reshaping trade flows, boosting demand for garment producers in Central America and South Asia, and compelling legacy Asian suppliers to adjust their strategies if freight costs and logistical delays remain high.
