LIFE SCIENCES

Guatemala is the production and distribution center of many global pharmaceutical companies for Central America and the Caribbean markets.
Owning the largest market in the region it is also the leading manufacturer and exporter.

PharmaceuticalsMedical suppliesHealth tourismMedical devicesClinical trials

contact us for more information

Guatemala is a unique location for investing in the life sciences, pharmaceuticals, medical tourism, latex, clinical research and much more.

The experience of more than 4,000 clinical trials for the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies conducted in our research centers. All of this makes Guatemala the best investment destination of all Central America and the Caribbean.

Exports in the sector

The level of exports in the sector has maintained a sustained growth since 2019 and its growth at the end of 2024 was over 4%, even higher than Guatemalan exports as a whole.

Health GDP growth 2024

Health during 2024 grew by 6.9% over 2024, making it the second fastest growing economic activity for the year.

Exports in 2024

Exports have grown by approximately 35% over a two-year period, demonstrating the sector's great potential.

Market size in 2024

The healthcare market in Guatemala is worth more than $2.1B and continues to grow.

Markets in 2024

The sector's exports have served more than 40 markets around the world.

WHY INVEST IN

Life Sciences

Guatemala is the main exporter of rubber in Latin America above countries such as Brazil and Mexico and is one of the largest producers worldwide, manufacturing industry of medical inputs such as latex gloves, catheters, condoms among others. They find great opportunities to secure supply to North American markets in a few days, optimizing their production and reducing costs

Investment Opportunities

Largest market in the region

2.09 Billion Dollars in sales accounting the 36% of share of the total central american market make GUATEMALA the largest and most important market in the Central American region .

Guatemalan pharmaceutical market grew 20% in 2021, due the therapeutical and ethical products.

Biggest exporter in central america

362 MDD in pharmaceutical exports during 2022, make GUATEMALA the largest exporter in the Central American region.
95% of the exports came from therapeutical products.

Robust Specialized Talent Pool

Pharmaceutical Industry Skilled Talent: GUATEMALA has more than 6000 active Science profesionals, including Pharmaceutical Chemists, Biologists, Biological Chemists, Pure Chemists, Laboratory Specialists, Nutrition Specialists and others. +150 Pharma Companies operate in Guatemala with specialized workforce: The largest manufacturer in central american pharmaceutical industry is also the largest producer of specialist talent trained in the fields of R&D, production, administration, marketing and sales. +70,000 Jobs Generated by the Guatemalan Pharma Industry: Guatemala has the largest specialized workforce in all fields of the pharmaceutical industry

Most diversified industry in the region

Tax Excemptions Incentives & Special Benefits Regulatory & Custom Benefits Central America Custom Agreement The best tariffs and the fastest regulatory process The largest manufacturers and specialized distributors

Success Stories

“ Guatemala is the strategic place to reach markets in Latin America, as well its own market provides access to the most significant percentage of the entire region.
“GUATEMALA IS A STRATEGIC DECISION ”
Ashok Partheeban Operations Director LATAM

“ Guatemala owns the most important talent pool in pharma industry in central america, besides its relevant participation in the regional total market.
“GUATEMALA IS A TALENT SOURCE IN PHARMA BUSINESS ”
Alvaro Cornejo General Manager LATAM

Guatemala offers the most important institutional market in Central America for more than 700 million dollars , in addition to having the best organized commercial pharmacy cluster in the region. “GUATEMALA IS PROFITABLE ”
Roberto Farfàn Sales Manager

"We believe that the political climate is important, companies must have the ability to see those opportunities and what Guatemala offers us in terms of certainty and stability"“GUATEMALA IS STABLE ”
Patricia Spat General Manager

Strategic allies of the industry

Asociación Guatemalteca de Exportadores AGEXPORT

Documents

Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies

Descargar

Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies

Pharmaceutical, medical-chemical, and botanical products manufactured for pharmaceutical use reached USD 531 million1 in 2018, according to Bank of Guatemala (Central Bank).
This industry generated a total of 5,892 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect jobs in 20182 , which constituted USD 86 million in annual salaries.