In 2012 there were 65 million gallons of ethanol, 80% of which were exported for the development of biofuels, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The remaining 20% (13 million gallons), remained in the country and was used for the production of alcoholic beverages. One of the industries specializing in the production of alcohol as fuel "is the Bio-Ethanol Distillery, which produces neutral anhydrous ethyl using molasses.
Despite the decrease in the last two years, a rebound is expected towards the end of 2011.
A reduction in the production of sugar cane and molasses was one of the main reasons for decreased production of ethanol, and consequently exports.
Guatemala is the largest exporter of ethanol in Central America, with 1.5 million liters being produced per day. It is followed by Nicaragua with 80 thousand liters per day, Costa Rica, 360 000, Panama, 160 000, and El Salvador with 120,000.
According to a study by the OAS, the country has at least one million hectares suitable for cultivation of bio-fuel.
The report was commissioned by the Organization of American States (OAS) to the firm Hart Energy and was delivered this week the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM).
Guatemala has capacity to be a major producer of sugar cane, which is used to produce ethanol, said Francisco Burgos, an analyst at the OAS.