In a surprising development that rattled the Guatemalan export community, China has recently imposed a ban on the import of Guatemalan coffee and other goods. Despite the lack of an official explanation, Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo hinted at a potential link to his country’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan, offering reassurance that the matter would be addressed.

Guatemala, along with Paraguay, notably maintains official ties with Taiwan, while other Latin American nations like Honduras and Nicaragua have aligned with Beijing, recognizing China’s sovereignty over Taiwan.

This import embargo on Guatemalan coffee and other products underscores the intricate dynamics between China and Latin America.