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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Guatemala: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Guatemala source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are tilapia, shrimp; typical water temperatures are 20–31 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.19 per kWh.

Guatemala farms shrimp on the Pacific coast and tilapia inland, with processing plants oriented to US exports.

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Key planning facts

Main species
tilapia, shrimp
Common systems
Ponds, Cages
Water temperature
20–31 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.19 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 1.00 / m³
Compound feed
≈ GTQ 10 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
12%
Currency
GTQ (≈ 7.7 / USD)
Licensing authority
DIPESCA (MAGA)
Main import ports
Puerto Quetzal and Santo Tomás de Castilla

What to check before requesting quotes in Guatemala

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (20–31 °C) for tilapia.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.19/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with DIPESCA (MAGA).
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Puerto Quetzal and Santo Tomás de Castilla.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 1.00 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 12% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Guatemala?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Guatemala costs roughly GTQ 13.9M (≈ $1.8M) – GTQ 21.6M (≈ $2.8M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Guatemala?

Commercial projects in Guatemala mainly focus on tilapia, shrimp.

Who licenses aquaculture in Guatemala?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve DIPESCA (MAGA). Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Guatemala questions: see the market FAQ

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