Guatemala News
News
Volcán de Fuego Erupts, Forcing Evacuations
Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego erupted for the third time this year, spewing ash 6 km into the air and forcing 3,000 evacuations in Escuintla and Sacatepéquez. CONRED has activated Orange Alert for nearby communities.
Historic Corruption Trial Begins Against Former Officials
The "La Línea" corruption case resumed with former President Otto Pérez Molina and ex-VP Roxana Baldetti facing new charges of embezzlement and money laundering. Public protests demand "justice now."
Business News
New Textile Factory Opens in Quetzaltenango, Creating 1,500 Jobs
Korean apparel company Sae-A Trading invested $50 million in a sustainable textile plant, boosting Guatemala’s garment exports to the U.S.
Avocado Exports to China Triple
Guatemala secured a new trade deal with China, increasing Hass avocado shipments by 200% in Q2. Farmers in San Marcos and Huehuetenango celebrate record profits.
Economic News
Remittances Hit Record $2 Billion in May
Money sent home by Guatemalan migrants (mostly from the U.S.) grew 12% year-over-year, now accounting for 18% of GDP.
Inflation Drops to 5.2%, But Food Prices Remain High
While overall inflation eased, corn and bean prices are still 30% above 2024 levels, straining low-income families.
Political News
President Arévalo Announces Anti-Corruption Task Force
President Bernardo Arévalo launched "Transparencia GT", a new anti-graft unit backed by the UN and EU, targeting tax evasion and customs fraud.
Congress Blocks Judicial Reform Bill
Opposition parties voted down Arévalo’s proposed judiciary transparency laws, sparking protests in Plaza de la Constitución.
Election News
2027 Presidential Race Heats Up Early
Despite elections being two years away, potential candidates like Sandra Torres (UNE) and Zury Ríos (VIVA) are already campaigning. Polls show no clear frontrunner.
Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) Approves Diaspora Voting
For the first time, Guatemalans abroad (mainly in the U.S. and Mexico) can vote online in the 2025 general elections.
Employment News
Call Centers Hire 2,000 Bilingual Workers
Companies expanded operations in Guatemala City, offering $800/month salaries for English and Spanish speakers.
Coffee Farms Face Labor Shortages
Despite offering Q100/day ($13), farms in Antigua and Cobán struggle to find pickers as workers migrate to construction and tourism jobs.
Business News
Guatemala’s Stock Exchange (BVNG) Rises 4%
Stocks surged on renewed foreign investment, led by:
Cryptocurrency Use Grows Despite Central Bank Warnings
Bitcoin trading volume spiked 300% in 2025 as citizens hedge against currency instability.
Forecast
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Guatemala City: Afternoon storms, 22°C (72°F)
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Antigua: Sunny, 25°C (77°F)
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Flores (Petén): Humid, 32°C (90°F)
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Quetzaltenango: Chilly nights, 18°C (64°F)
Entertainment News
Ricardo Arjona Announces Farewell Tour Stop in Guatemala
The global superstar will perform at Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores on September 15, his first hometown show in 5 years.
Netflix Films "Mayan Shadows" in Tikal
A new thriller series set in ancient Maya civilization began production, hiring 500 local extras.
Upcoming Events (june 20-30, 2025)
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June 28: National Garifuna Music Festival (Livingston)
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June 20: Guatemala vs. Jamaica (World Cup qualifier, Estadio Nacional)
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June 21: Solstice Ceremonies (Iximché ruins)
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June 22: Feria de Santo Domingo (Antigua food fair)
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June 24: Día del Ejército Military Parade (Guatemala City)
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June 26: International Yoga Day (Lake Atitlán)
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June 27: Sumpango Kite Festival (Giant kites honoring the dead)
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June 30: National Coffee Competition (Anacafé headquarters)
Key Trend: Guatemala balances economic growth with political turbulence, while natural disasters and corruption trials dominate news .
Currency: 1 USD ≈ Q7.80. Forecast data from INSIVUMEH.
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