Bank of Guatemala
in Central America
Thursday, February 2, 2012
This is the maximum amount allowed by law and the first issue will be on February 13th .
Guatemala's government plans to place up to Q 2,500 million ($ 320.1 million) in treasury bills in 2012, announced the Ministry of Public Finance (Minfin). The first release will take place on February 13th .
Friday, January 13, 2012
The industry ranks as the number one generator of foreign exchange with $1,130 million exported in 2011, displacing coffee, according to official data.
Guatemalan clothing and textile exports reached $1,130 million between January and November 2011, which slightly exceeds the revenue generated by coffee, which amounted to $1,110 million in the same period, reported the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat).
Friday, January 6, 2012
Remittances received in 2011 exceeded shipments in recent three years.
According to information from Banco de Guatemala at the end of the year, reported $4,378 million, a 6.1% higher than the $ 4,100 million received in 2010.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Up to October, foreign sales totaled $8.682 million, 25.3% higher than in the same period in 2010.
Coffee exports, up 12.5%, and apparel, up 12.1%, were decisive in the increase.
The United States remains the main destination for exports receiving 41.5% of the total, according to the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat).
Friday, December 2, 2011
Between November 2010 and November 2011 loan grants have risen by 14%.
The boom being seen in Guatemala’s economy is one of the main reasons explaining the rise in private sector credit, a key indicator of the state of an economy.
In Guatemala’s case, loans granted by financial entities have grown by 14% this year, driven not only by economic growth but also by the interest rate structure which favors debtors.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Manufacturing’s share of total exports is showing a clear upward trend.
Between last January and August it accounted for 70% of total sales.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
In the first 8 months of 2011 foreign purchase of raw materials amounted to $3,948 million.
Imports of raw materials for industry and agriculture have reported growth for a second year, according to the Bank of Guatemala (Banguat).
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
In the first ten months of the year, remittances totaled $3,656 million, 6% higher compared to the same period in 2010.
According to the Banco de Guatemala, the performance of remittances this year, after the crisis of 2009, has been positive, with the exception of last July in which a decline of 9% was recorded.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Between January and August foreign sales increased by 14% compared to the same period in 2010.
The production and export of cosmetics and fragrances in Guatemala is growing steadily, so much so that more than $100 million worth has bee exported so far this year.
Friday, October 7, 2011
In the second quarter GDP rose by 3.7%, exceeding growth recorded in the previous quarter.
The strong economic dynamism experienced by Guatemala seems to be shared by all economic activities from agriculture to services.
While all sectors showed positive changes in the quarter under review, some performed better, such as the transport, communications and storage sector, which showed an increase of 4%.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Imports grew, but so did exports, giving stability to the trade deficit.
Between January and August, exports and imports grew by 26% and 24% respectively compared to the same period last year.
The data is the result of the dynamism experienced by Guatemalan foreign trade, which driven by strong domestic economic activity, is growing significantly.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Monetary Board has raised the leading interest rate from 5% to 5.50% from today, September 29, 2011.
A press release from the Bank of Guatemala reads:
THE MONETARY BOARD RAISES THE LEADING INTEREST RATE OF THE MONETARY POLICY FROM 5.00% TO 5.50% AS OF THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2011
The Monetary Board in its meeting held on September 28, 2011, after being updated on the Balance of Inflation Risks, resulting from mechanical shifting of the Macroeconomic Semi-Structural Model and orientation of the indicative variables, based on a comprehensive analysis of internal and external economic events, decided by a majority to raise the level of the leading monetary policy interest rate by 50 basis points from 5.00% to 5.50%.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Foreign sales of wood products up to July increased by $718 million, equivalent to 19.8%.
Data from the Bank of Guatemala indicates that total exports for July amounted to $4,347 million.
The main markets for Guatemalan furniture are Central America, the United States and Europe.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Companies are choose to seek financing in foreign banks, because they offer lower rates.
The Bank of Guatemala (Banguat) has revealed that domestic banks have lost their appeal compared to credit lines offered by foreign banks.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
In August, total remittances received amounted to $409.5 million, 8.5% higher than in the same month in 2010.
In July remittances reported a decline of 9% compared to the same month in 2010.
According to the Bank of Guatemala, between January and August the total amount of remittances coming into the country was $2.934 million, 6.7% higher than the $2.748 million in the same period of 2010.