In the view of businessmen in Guatemala, the country has become a connection center for merchandise that is transported illegally from the Colon Free Zone, in Panama, to the Corozal Free Zone, in Belize.
Within the to and fro of contraband products moving from the south of Central America on the route to Mexico, a significant amount stays in Guatemala, where criminal structures are responsible for "marketing" these products throughout the territory.
Added to the factors already deteriorating competitiveness in the export sector are increased thefts of merchandise on the country's roads and infiltration of drug trafficking in exports.
The National Chamber of Cargo Carriers (Canatrac) reports that attacks on trucks on roads in the country have increased since 2012.They state "... on average 12 assaults used to be committed per year, however the figure has risen to 20 in recent years'."
Intervention on the part of the Mexican government is being demanded in order to resolve conflicts that are preventing the free transport of goods in the Central American territory.
From a statement from issued by Agexport in Guatemala:
Mexico represents an important market for the Guatemalan export sector, since about US $429,850,000 thousand worth of goods is exported there every year, of which 85% is sent overland (US $365 million).
The Ministry of Finance intends to lower the minimum amount of the value of illegally imported goods which would incur criminal penalties for smuggling from $50 thousand to $10 thousand.
Deputy Minister of Revenue, Fernando Rodriguez, told Ameliarueda.com that the draft reform law, "... is already in the final stage of reform being prepared by the Commission against Illicit Trade and it is expected that the project will be ready next week to then be submitted to the Legislature. "
Up to 15% of the market in products such as cigarettes, liquor, drugs and footwear, is supplied with goods whose origins are illegal.
Added to the list of products that have traditionally been traded illegally, such as cigarettes and alcoholic beverages, there is an increasing tendency to smuggle medicines, shoes, clothing, and beauty and personal care products, among other things.